AUSTRALIANS are encouraged today to take time to reflect on the service of those who served in the Vietnam War.
August 18 marks Vietnam Veterans' Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
"Today we remember nearly 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975, including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3,000 who were wounded," said Minister for Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan.
"We also mark the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 105 Australians and three New Zealanders of D Company 6RAR were engaged in one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War."
The soldiers fought a pitched battle in torrential rain against more than 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan.
While the Australians prevailed, they were nearly overrun and were saved by a timely ammunition resupply, accurate artillery fire from the nearby Australian base, and the arrival of reinforcements by armoured personnel carrier.
"In the Battle of Long Tan a total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds," Mr Tehan said,
"D Company were greatly assisted by an ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, support by Australian, New Zealand and United States artillery and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell."
"On Vietnam Veterans' Day we honour the Australians who served in Vietnam. Today is an opportunity to reflect on that period of our history and to say 'thank-you' to our veterans for their service."