TAMWORTH locals have paused to remember those who served during the Vietnam War.
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The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way the city commemorates Vietnam Veterans' Day, but it did not stop a small crowd gathering at Railway Park for the occasion.
Tamworth Region Veterans and Ex-Services Association president Bob Chapman said the day was good chance to reflect on the mates he served with.
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"We would have done something today [Tuesday], even if it was just one of us laying a wreath, we weren't going to let coronavirus stop us from marking the day," Mr Chapman said.
"There will be a few guys who chose not to come along due to the restrictions on mass gatherings, but like us, they will be pausing and thinking of their mates for sure."
Also known as Long Tan Day, the day not only marks the service of Australians in Vietnam but also marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
"The perception of us Vietnam vets has thankfully changed quite a lot over the years and this day has become a very special day on the calendar," Mr Chapman said.
"It was initially chosen by former Prime Minister Bob Hawke to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
"I think while it might not have been the biggest battle Australia has ever been involved in, it is one of the most significant, especially in regards to the Vietnam War."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the sacrifices made during the Battle of Long Tan would never be forgotten.
"The epic Battle of Long Tan would again underpin the Australian way of mateship and further emphasise the incredible will and determination of our soldiers," Mr Anderson said.
"This battle was the first significant action for Australia during the war.
In the middle of a monsoonal downpour in the rubber plantations our troops prevailed despite being severely outnumbered with just over 100 soldiers up against 2,000 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers."
Mr Chapman said he was hopeful the community could mark the occasion as normal next year.
"The pandemic has made it quite difficult to celebrate days like these and Anzac Day," he said.
"Hopefully we can celebrate as normal next year because there are still quite a few of us Vietnam veterans left and it is always nice to come together."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
