General News
13 September, 2025
Vietnam vets not forgotten
THIS year marked the 63rd anniversary of the Australia’s commitment to South Vietnam from 1962-1975.
On August 18, an intimate group gathered for a solemn Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemoration service at the Innisfail RSL Cenotaph and paused to honour those who had made the supreme sacrifice.
The Battle of Long Tan was fought between the Australian Army and Viet Cong forces in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan in South Vietnam on August 18, 1966.
This battle continued for over three hours, in torrential rain amid the mud and shattered rubber trees.
A total of 108 warriors from D Company (6RAR), outnumbered 20-1 and up against 2500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese enemy troops, triumphed with honour, decency and courage.
BJ Price brought the parade to attention, while the Last Post played, followed by reading of The Ode, the Reveille, playing of the Australian anthem and closing address.
Peter Gill said a dedication prayer, John Moyle, president of the Innisfail-Babinda-Tully National Servicemen’s branch, delivered the opening address, followed by Mayor Teresa Millwood.
During the wreath laying ceremony, Piper Marc Darveniza played the lament accompanied by drummer David Cornish.
Ed Hitchings laid a wreath on behalf of all Vietnam veterans, John Moyle for all national servicemen, CCRC Mayor Teresa Millwood, Mark Milivojevic for his brother George and Eddie Egyed, with wreaths also laid for RAN, RAR, RAAF, 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment, Richard Guay for United States Army 1st Cavalry Division, AAFC 107SQN and SASR.
Individuals and other community groups represented included Innisfail RSL, Innisfail District Police, Innisfail Hospital, Lions Club of Innisfail Lioness, Volunteer Coastguard, State Emergency Service, Legacy, Greek Orthodox community, Sikh community, Good Counsel College and Innisfail State College captains also laid wreaths.
While in action, a total of 18 Australians lost their lives, with 24 wounded although, that number exceeded any other single day loss in the Vietnam War.
The Battle of Long Tan is an exemplar of Australian soldiers channelling the same attributes of bravery, teamwork and endurance their forebears displayed in earlier conflicts.
By the time the Vietnam War had ended, over 60,000 Australians served during a decade of conflict between 1962 and 1972, with the tragic loss of 521 lives and over 3000 wounded.
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