Last week, members of the community gathered to remember the sacrifice of those who served during the 10 years of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day was originally known as Long Tan Day which commemorates the day in 1966 when the battle of Long Tan was fought by the men of D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).
Vietnam Veterans’ Day was first commemorated in 1969 with the raising of a cross at the battlefield by the men of 6RAR, this has been adopted to cover all veterans who served in the Vietnam War – the longest conflict in Australia’s history.
60,000 Australians served during the decade of war. Sadly, 521 died and 3,000 were wounded.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day on August 18, the state government launched the second round of the $4 million Queensland Remembers Grants Program, helping ex-service and other not-for-profit organisations to honour Queensland veterans and their families.
“Queenslanders continue to demonstrate their commitment to honouring our veterans and sharing their stories – always turning out in enormous numbers for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative events throughout the year,” the Premier said.
“The Queensland Remembers Grants Program is an important part of the Queensland Government’s efforts to ensure we appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.”
Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish said the Queensland Remembers Grants Program builds on the state government’s extensive investment in the veteran community.
“Honouring veterans, recognising their extraordinary contributions, and ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is important, ongoing work,” Mr Mellish said.
The second round of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program is now open for submissions and will close at 5pm on 4 October 2022.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani. Left to Right: Bob England (Vietnam Vet. Navy Ret.), Mayor Greg Williamson (RAAF Ret.) Jan Lindbergs (RAAF Ret.), Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins OAM (Vietnam Vet. 6RAR D Company 1969-1970 Ret.)
Vietnam Vet. Ray Higgins Ret. (6RAR Mortars 1969 – 1970)
Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani
Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. May 1971. A section of soldiers from C Company, 2RAR /NZ (ANZAC) (The ANZAC Battalion comprising 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and a component from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment) taking part in the battalion's final operation in Vietnam before returning to Australia later in the month. Private Ray Beattie (left) of St Kilda, Victoria and members of the section are spread out to his left.
Original description and photo sourced by The Australian War Memorial collection/C319339
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