Today services were held to mark Vietnam Veterans Day giving Tasmanians a further chance to recognise the service and sacrifice of our armed forces.
It is marked on August 18 which was originally known as Long Tan Day after that famous battle by the men of D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).
The Vietnam War was the longest conflict in Australian history from 1962 to 1975 involving more than 60,000 troops of whom 521 paid the ultimate price with a further 3000 wounded.
Tasmania contributed 1800 soldiers and 17 died in the service of their country.
Today’s State service was held at the Hobart Cenotaph and hosted by the Greater Hobart Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Tasmania along with State president Brian Harper OAM.
Another service was held at Beaconsfield and I introduced a Notice of Motion in the House of Assembly today in recognition of our veterans.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of our current serving members of our armed forces and also our veterans and their families.
We acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought for the freedom on this country and on this day our Vietnam Veterans and their motto, “Honour the Dead but Fight like Hell for the Living.’’
Guy Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
