Battle of Long Tan commemorations on Tuesday, August 18

Veterans involved in the war will be recognised on Tuesday, August 18, 54 years on from the event.

Goulburn RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade said there were probably over 100 veterans from the war living in town and a few people would put wreaths at the honour roll in Belmore Park.

"It's a way for Vietnam veterans to get together and a way for the community to show their thanks," Mr Wade said.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester explained the significance of the battle.

"On August 1966, Australian soldiers fought in one of their fiercest battles during the entire Vietnam War, a brutal action that saw 18 Australians killed and 25 wounded," Mr Chester said.

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"The first Australian troops from the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam arrived in 1962 and over the course of the war, around 60,000 Australians served there, with our involvement ending with the Royal Australian Air Force flying humanitarian missions and evacuating embassy staff in April 1975."

Mr Chester also said mental health was a struggle for many of the Vietnam veterans.

"As we commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served and died in Vietnam, it is important to acknowledge that many Vietnam veterans were deeply affected by their service," he said.

"Vietnam veterans were instrumental in establishing the Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service, now known as Open Arms.

"All Vietnam veterans can be proud that Open Arms supported more than 30,000 veterans and their family members last year and that it has made a life-changing difference to countless veterans and their families and I know it will continue to do so into the future."

Darren Chester encouraged all Australians to acknowledge and honour the Vietnam veterans who gave so much in the service of the country, as well as recognise the rich contribution Vietnam veterans continue to make to the community.

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