Vietnam Veteran's Day at Logan Village had Long Tan focus

According to a club spokesperson, the turnout was up from last year, with 28 people in attendance.

The ceremony commenced with the Vietnam Veteran’s prayer which was led by club president Garry Alterator.

This was followed by a heartfelt account of the Battle of Long Tan by club secretary Judy Alterator.

“It was an emotional moment for club treasurer John Leggett as he recited the Long Tan Honour Roll,” the spokesperson said.

“Club vice president John Forde proudly read the Presidential Citation, awarded to D Company for extraordinary heroism by the then President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, on May 28, 1968.” 

The laying of the wreath was performed by Barry Chamberlain, before light refreshments were enjoyed by the guests.

Vietnam Veterans Day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to remember the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966.

On that day, 108 Australian soldiers fought an intense battle in torrential rain against over 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation just near the village of Long Tan.

“The Australians prevailed despite the overwhelming odds and being severely impeded by the adverse weather conditions,” the Logan Village club spokesperson said.

“During the battle, 18 Australians lost their lives, 24 were wounded, the largest number of casualties in one operation since the Australian taskforce had arrived a few months earlier.

“After the battle, the bodies of 245 enemy soldiers were found, but there was evidence that many more bodies had been carried away.”

Over time, an increasing number of Vietnam Veterans have adopted this day as one to honour and commemorate those who served and died in the Vietnam conflict.