Australians remember Vietnam veterans to honour those who served, suffered, died or were wounded. We acknowledge that many returned from a difficult and divisive war, often in dangerous conditions and sometimes without the public support given to veterans of earlier wars and conflicts.
Commemoration honours those who died, recognises those who returned, and acknowledges the effects of service on veterans, families and communities.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is held each year on 18 August, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. On this day, Australians pause to remember everyone who served in Vietnam, including Navy, Army and Air Force personnel and national servicemen.
Many Australian communities ane ex-service organisations mark the anniversaries of particular battles and operations, including:
These anniversaries help people understand what happened, remember those who were killed or wounded, and keep veterans’ stories part of Australia’s national memory.
Most units returning to Australia from South Vietnam received homecoming parades in major cities. However, many veterans felt their service was ignored if they travelled back in small groups at a time when the war had become controversial. To help improve veteran wellbeing, a committee of Vietnam veterans organised a national Welcome Home Parade in Sydney in 1987. Thousands of veterans marched through the city and were met by large cheering crowds, giving many the public recognition they had waited years to receive.
