The Vietnam War and Battle of Long Tan commemorated

That was the main message of the Vietnam War commemoration services on Saturday, August 17 at Belmore Park. It was also the 53rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade was the emcee on the day and said the aim was to pay tribute to the service of our young and old servicemen.

"It is a chance to remember those who served during the Vietnam war and especially those who were involved in the Battle of Long Tan on August 19, 1966," Mr Wade said.

"We pay tribute to those Goulburn servicemen who lost their lives on the battlefield and to those who have died since because of a battlefield."

Mr Wade also reflected on his son who joined the army in 2001 and is currently active in Iran and Iraq.

He said the day brings to him memories of the good times and friendships that are still with him after 53 years.

The official party included Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk, Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and RSL members from Goulburn and Queanbeyan.

History shows the Battle of Long Tan was Australia's hardest battle and the one which lost the most servicemen.

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said 60,000 Australians served during the Vietnam War and 521 of them died with a further 3,000 wounded.

A lunch was held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club after the commemoration.

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