Maldon RSL Sub-Branch hosted a moving service to observe Vietnam Veterans Day last Sunday 18 August. The gathering took place at the memorial cenotaph in Maldon Gardens and welcomed Veterans, family members and others who wished to pay their respects.

Originally a commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan, which took place on 18 August 1966, Vietnam Veterans Day is an opportunity to remember and honour the men and women who served and died in Vietnam.

Maldon RSL President Kevin Moschetti guided the service, describing the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 and its legacy. He quoted Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith MC, from OC Delta Company 6RAR who fought at Long Tan: “Although nowhere near the same scale, Long Tan will be remembered alongside Kapyong, Tobruk and Gallipoli. I am saddened by the loss of life and the tragic loss to all the loved ones, on both sides.”

Vietnam Veteran Neal Douglas laid the wreath, which had been crafted with care and special attention by Zoe Boyd Creative. In honour of the occasion, the wreath featured six varieties of foliage to represent 6 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and 18 flowers representing the 18 Australians who died at Long Tan. Its colours reflected those of the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975.

The ceremony concluded with a recorded rendition of ‘The Last Post’, quiet moments of reflection and the raising of the flags. 

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 23 August 2024.