By Shelby Brooks
Not only can Vietnam veterans not come together to support each other on the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan due to lockdown 6.0, but recent imagery of the fall of Kabul in Afghanistan has brought up painful memories for many.
The Vietnam War was the longest conflict Australians were involved in during the 20th century while the Battle of Long Tan was Australia’s most costly battle in Vietnam.
While the 18 August is commemorated each year as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, it is also the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Past president of the Pakenham RSL and Vietnam veteran Gary Elliott said 18 August was always a tough day for the veterans.
“It’s quite an emotional day generally speaking for a lot of us,” he said.
Although there were live stream services available to watch at home, Gary said it just wasn’t the same.
“Some guys don’t want to watch if they can’t go to the live one,” he said.
“A big part of the day is to go down and have a brekkie on the lawns near the Shrine. It’s a day to catch up with some friends you haven’t seen in a long time.”
Gary said the current situation in Afghanistan was having a toll on all servicemen and women, including the Vietnam veterans.
“Unfortunately, there are lot of similarities [with Vietnam],” Gary said,
“I saw a photo on Facebook of 1975 when Saigon fell and when Kabul fell this year, both looked the same.
“It’s just so reminiscent of those days, of that time. It just beggars’ belief. We spent 20 years training Afghanistan troops on how to look after their country and then it’s all over in a day. Literally a day.
“The Americans in Vietnam went in expecting a military victory and it just wasn’t going to happen, and Afghanistan has been the same.”
Gary said he hoped all Australians took a moment to reflect on the service of the Vietnam veterans on Wednesday 18 August.
“It’s either in your heart or head to do that or it isn’t,” he said.
“People should remember we have gone off, on the behest of our government, to fight a battle on behalf of for another government- we were following orders.
“I hope people remember that and respect that on the days that were allocated for it.”
This year’s ceremony was supposed to be one of the last big services held in Victoria, Gary said.
“Unlike ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day will probably fall to the wayside a bit as we diminish in numbers,” Gary said.
“Mainly because the guys are getting older. There’s no Vietnam veteran under 70 and most of us well over that.
“People should remember the service of any service man and woman of any conflict.”
