'Long Tan' Aussie Vietnam Vets Day

[RustyGT]

The Battle of Long Tan. 18 August 1966.

For years remembered as the most fierce battle the Aussies fought in Vietnam.

And the the day, most were lost in a single fight.

Always marked as a significant day, and a focal point for our Vets.

Who just as the American Vets were.
Were sadly ignored at least and openly scorned at worst.

'Long Tan' has now become Aussie Vietnam Veterans Day.

We have in Mackay a man who won a "Victoria Cross"
The British Empires Highest award for Valour.
Keith Payne. Got it in Vietnam.

Wish the Vets well. Sunday.

Long Tan

Btw: Cadds post helped motivate this.

Let's remember the Vietman vets this weekend, folks. They went through hell and then came back to it.

Thanks Rusty for the head up.

Cheers
Mick

[TheBurningCat]

Indeed. I shall read up on this. As a youning of this country i missed this part of history. We have a long tan pool here in townsville but i wasn't sure where the name came from.

PS: If anyone cares, most ladies dont were tops at this pool.

Thanks rusty..

[crazyray]

Who just as the American Vets were.
Were sadly ignored at least and openly scorned at worst.

Your words are all too true. There are signs every year here in the US that the public is reaching a better understanding of the valor of the men and women who served in Viet Nam. It is the calling of a soldier to follow the orders they are given. We cannot blame these people in any way for being true to their calling; indeed, they should be honored for being willing to lay down their lives for their brothers.

"No greater love..."

[vass0922]

This weekend, I went to visit the vietnam war memorial (again)
It *never* ceases to amaze me the sheer number of names on there. just seems to go on forever Real names.. not just a number.

Definately wish the vets well, regardless of their nationality... they served their country fighting for what they believe in

[Warthog]

One of my dreams is to visit the The Wall...it's so powerful.

I think a similiar one will be put up at the WTC site. As a memorial.

When you imagine the soldiers on the Vietnam War wall, you realize the enormity of it all. I lived thru that war (was in Jr High School ) at the time and remember seeing casualties after casualties in different war theatres daily on the news channels (only 3 those days plus an independent one WTTG in DC).

It was horrific compared to the sterile war in Afghanistan.

Hope these types of conflicts never occur again.