Gunnedah marked the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and Vietnam Veterans’ Day on Monday.
Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch commemorated the anniversary alongside services across the country to honour more than 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War from 1962-73.
Guest speaker at the Gunnedah service was former Royal Australian Navy submariner, Dennis Buck.
He explained how until Afghanistan, Vietnam was Australia’s longest war.
“We remember those who served and made sacrifices in the Vietnam War,” Mr Buck said.
“We honour the 523 Australians who gave their lives.
“We remember over 3000 Australians who were physically wounded and many more who suffered psychological or moral wounds.
“We thank all who served and their families who support them.”
Mr Buck told how the Battle of Long Tan involved a small Australian force of 108 men, mainly from D Company, 6 Royal Australian Regiment, and three New Zealand Artillery Forward Observers from 161 Field Battery, which fought for nearly four hours against a significantly larger Viet Cong force, estimated at more than 2000.
The Gunnedah veteran said Vietnam Veterans’ Day is now also about recognition and respect for many service personnel who were initially denied this on their return from the war.
“Vietnam Veterans’ Day is important for us all. Through these events, veterans and communities can heal, be proud and stay connected,” he said.
Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch president Anthony Adams delivered the welcome address.
He described how Vietnam War service personnel returned home with “wounds of the mind and wounds of the spirit”. Although honour was belatedly bestowed by the Australian community, he hoped the children of today “learned the lessons (Australia) once ignored”.
Also speaking at the service was Salvation Army officer Peter Hall who delivered the prayers and benediction.
Ex-service personal, their families and members of the community laid wreaths at the base of the water tower’s Long Tan mural.
Among those laying a wreath was Gunnedah veteran, Graham Noonan.
He enlisted in the early 1970s, swapping a trade traineeship for a stint in the military.
“I was with Telecom as a trainee lineman at the time,” Mr Noonan recalled of his pre-service occupation.
He served three years in the army as a driver and was posted to the 104 Signal Squadron based at Ingleburn.
He said the mateship and great leadership were some of his best memories from his service.
“You’re friends for life,” Mr Noonan said.
“Some of the best bosses I’ve ever had was then.
“We’re still friends today.”
Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller.
Laying a wreath at the Gunnedah service.
Malcolm Robinson lays a wreath.
Marie Hobson.
Pat McAdam.
Peter Hall.
Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch president Anthony Adams.
Adams laying a wreath at the service.
Veteran Graham Noonan lays a wreath.
