2026 Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration
For many years Long Tan Day served as the unofficial annual commemoration day for Vietnam veterans, before Prime Minister Bob Hawke named 18 August as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in 1987.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day recognises the invaluable contribution of Australians who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War. This years' service marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. In this battle D Coy, 6RAR fought an overwhelming enemy force suffering 24 casualties, including 18 killed.
On the 18th August, the final official Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorative service commenced at the RAAF and Vietnam memorial trees with the laying of wreaths, followed by an 11am commemorative service on the Second World War Memorial Forecourt.
On completion of the initial wreath laying at the Victorian Vietnam Veterans’ plaque, and as others were heading back towards the Shrine, ex-RAAFies from AFA Victoria's Vietnam Veterans Branch grouped together and moved to the RAAF Vietnam Tree and Plaque to conduct their own additional service.
AFA Victoria Vietnam Veterans Branch President Chris Hudnott led the service with Carl Schiller, Past President of AFA National and AFA Victoria, having the honour of placing the wreath.
Above Left: Carl Schiller, Past President of AFA National and AFA Vic, having the honour of placing our wreath.
Above Right: Banner Bearers: Alan White and Stephen Young. In front, L-R: Dave Grierson, ‘Chick’ Mercieca and Ron Douglas.
The final official Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration at the Shrine’s forecourt commenced with a flypast at 1100 hrs, by a Pilatus PC-21 flown by FLTLT Brett Cummings, from RAAF Base East Sale. The Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC delivered the Keynote Address with the President VVAA Vic, Bob Elworthy AM, giving the Response.
While this year may be the last year of the official Vietnam Veterans Day service, the AFA Victoria Vietnam Veterans Branch will continue to gather at the RAAF Vietnam tree and memorial.
Left: AFA Victoria Vietnam Veterans Branch member gathered at the RAAF Vietnam Tree and Plaque to conduct their own special service, led by Branch President, Chris Hudnott.
With thanks to Vietnam Veterans Branch’s Geoff Rose for images and captions.
You can read more about the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration in the Vietnam Veterans Branch current newsletter here. For this and other stories of interest please go to our latest edition of Contact newsletter.
(Other sources: Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance, Department of Veterans Affairs)