Vietnam Veterans’ Day
18 August
Between 1962–1973 around 60,000 Australians, including ground troops and air force and navy personnel, served in Vietnam. During this time, 523 lost their lives, and 2,400 were wounded in a bid to halt the spread of the North’s Communist regime into South Vietnam. This toll doesn’t account for the enormous psychological scars which burdened many who returned to an unsympathetic and, at times, hostile environment.
It was a war unlike others in that it did not have broad public support. In 1964 a compulsory national service introduced for 20-year-old males fuelled an already growing anti-war movement which created a high degree of political tension. As a result, many of our returning Vietnam veterans were not greeted with the respect and honour they deserved for their efforts and service. RSL Australia would like to acknowledge this and note that veterans are welcome within the RSL and always will be.
In 1987, well over ten years after troops returned, Vietnam veterans received a ‘welcome home’ parade to honour their service and sacrifices that had not been well recognised in the 70s. Over 22,000 veterans marched through Sydney, attracting crowds of over 100,000 supporters.
Many veterans of the Vietnam War have continued their proud legacy of service to our nation, either in the military or in their communities.
Vietnam veterans founded Open Arms – Australia’s leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for veterans and their families – and, through the RSL, many volunteer countless hours to support the veteran and wider community.
Vietnam Veterans' Day is commemorated annually on 18 August, which is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of the most significant conflicts for Australians who served in the Vietnam War. RSL Australia invites the community to join us in recognising those who served, and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, in the Vietnam War.
Learn more about Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
-
Australia's role in the Vietnam War
Anzac Portal has created an educational resource for teachers about Australia's involvement in the war by delving into the experiences of Australians who served in the conflict and exploring the impact of the war on those at home.
-
Advocating for veterans
Reflections on voluntary military service and compulsory national service in the Vietnam War based on oral history interviews with Australian veterans and written accounts.
-
Australian experiences in the Vietnam War: In Their Own Words
The Australian veterans in this series recall their stories of service during the Vietnam War. The series is not designed to retell the history of the war. Instead, it gives you a deeper insight into individual experiences through oral history.