THE ultimate sacrifice paid by 18 Australian soldiers in the Battle of Long Tan was remembered with reverence yesterday in Tamworth.
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Right across Australia Vietnam veterans gathered to remember the fallen and the wounded, while celebrating their rightful place in Australian military history.
During the Vietnam War, from 1965-1972, 520 Australians lost their lives, thousands were wounded and countless others continue to carry the emotional scars of their service. The Battle of Long Tan is commemorated on Vietnam Veterans' Day, which Father Tom Shanahan likened in his address to the mythological rising of the Phoenix from the ashes.
"The Phoenix bird was burnt on a pyre and rose from the ashes with a renewed energy, youthfulness and vigour," Father Shanahan said.
"From the ashes of Long Tan has risen a renewed strength, a renewed determination and a rallying point for all Vietnam
veterans.
"That battle was where Vietnam veterans really came of age. This was a tremendous contribution by our young men fighting for the cause of freedom and justice.
"They served their country with pride and distinguished themselves with courage under fire."
The 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers performed a catafalque party, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
Bugler Margaret Miskle performed The Last Post and Reveille.
Wreaths were laid by North West Vietnam Veterans Group president Bob Chapman, Tamworth RSL Sub-branch president Father Tom Shanahan, Barraba RSL Sub-branch president John Myers, Tamworth RSL Women's Auxiliary president Louise Evans, Tamworth Legacy president Greg Roese and Oxley National Servicemen's Sub-branch president Ken Whitten.
Prayers were said for the fallen before the conclusion of the ceremony. Vietnam veterans and their partners commemorated Vietnam Veterans' Day last night in Tamworth with a dinner at Wests' Diggers, attended by 80.
