Community & Business
22 August, 2025
Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorates 50 years
A service in Clifton on Monday, 18 August was one among hundreds across the country that honoured the invaluable contribution of Australians who served in the Vietnam War, marking half a century since the war’s end.
Clifton RSL Sub-Branch president Anne Glasheen said it was the first time such a service had been held in Clifton.
She said the Sub-Branch wanted to recognise the occasion and some new members helped spur the idea.
Speaking to those in attendance, Mrs Glasheen spoke about the history of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam conflict from 1963 to 1972, including the role of conscription, which affected some local men.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Clifton RSL Sub-Branch, Vietnam Veterans and families and the community.
A service was also held in Leyburn at the Leyburn RSL Sub-Branch & Museum and there were services held in Pittsworth and Warwick.
On 18 August, we commemorated Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th Century commencing in July 1962 and not concluding until 1972.
About 3,000 Australians were wounded during the war, and 524 died during their service in Vietnam or as a result of that service.
Unfortunately for those men and women who bravely served in Vietnam the controversy surrounding the war meant they were not given the welcome home in 1972 they deserved.
It was more than ten years until the nation gave Vietnam veterans a fitting welcome home and a well done salute.
Addressing the RSL Conference in August 1987, Prime Minister Hawke noted:
“I firmly believe that the October parade will be the culmination of a long process of reconciliation and community acceptance of its obligations to the veterans of Vietnam.
“I believe we must honestly acknowledge that our involvement in Vietnam did cause deep divisions in the Australian community.
“But whatever our individual views on the merits of Australian involvement, we must equally acknowledge the commitment, courage and integrity of our armed forces who served in Vietnam.”
The Welcome Home parade, held on 3 October 1987, saw 25,000 Vietnam veterans march through the streets of Sydney to the acclamation of over a hundred thousand onlookers.
Conscription
Australia’s conscription in the Vietnam War, officially known as the National Service Scheme, involved the compulsory enlistment of 20-years-old men into the Australian Army.
This scheme was implemented from 1964 to 1972, with names selected by a birthday ballot.
Approximately 15,300 national servicemen served in Vietnam, with over 200 killed and at least 1,200 wounded.
All 20-years-old men were required to register for national service.
A lottery system, using numbered marbles, determined who would be called up for service.
Selected men were required to serve for two years full-time in the Army, followed by three years in the Reserve.
National servicemen were deployed to Vietnam to fight in units of the Australian Regular Army.
Conscription into the armed forces has always been controversial and never more so than during the Vietnam War when it divided the country.
The National Service Scheme was abolished on December 5, 1972, by the newly elected Labor government of Gough Whitlam.
On Vietnam Veterans Day we commemorate all the battles fought by Australians in Vietnam, from large scale operations to platoon and section-level encounters.
We remember the sailors of the Royal Australian Navy who supported land operations, and members of the Royal Australian Air Force who served in combat and transport roles.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we say “thank you” and pause and reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance that Australians displayed throughout the war.
