
18/08/2022
Today is Vietnam Veterans' Day.
We honour the 61,000 brave Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
We pause in respect and appreciation in memory of the 521 soldiers who gave their lives - 16 of these soldiers were Tasmanian.
56 years ago today, in 1966, Australian troops faced some of the toughest conditions in the Battle of Long Tan. The bravery of troops in the Battle of Long Tan will forever make the Australian Defence Force proud.
Like all former service personnel, I deeply appreciate the impacts on families and that not all wounds have healed.
The Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia's phrase 'Honour the dead, but fight like hell for the living' reflects service personnel's selfless devotion to our nation in the Vietnam War.
Lest we forget.