Ettalong Diggers acknowledges Vietnam Veterans' Day

The Ettalong Diggers Club has acknowledged Vietnam Veterans' Day on August 18, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.

"We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War," said chief executive Mr Bill Jackson.

"The Battle of Long Tan was a significant moment in Australia's war in Vietnam.

"On 18 August 1966, in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, Australian soldiers fought one of their fiercest battles of the war.

"The men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, faced a force of some 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. The battle was fought in wet and muddy conditions during a heavy tropical downpour.

"By the end of the day, 17 Australians had been killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom died a few days later.

"This was the largest number of casualties in a single operation since the Australian Task Force had established its base at nearby Nui Dat the previous April.

"On this day, we commemorate all the battles fought by Australians in Vietnam, from large-scale operations to platoon and section-level encounters.

"We remember the sailors of the Royal Australian Navy who supported land operations, and members of the Royal Australian Air Force who served in combat and transport roles.

"At Ettalong Diggers, we value the work done by our local Veterans and proudly support them as they continue to do amazing work in the community."

SOURCE:

Social media, 18 Aug 2021

Bill Jackson, Ettalong Diggers