The National Vietnam Veterans Museum in Phillip Island welcomes some 20,000 visitors every year, and it’s mainly thanks to 20 years of veteran donations and volunteer work. Minister for Veterans John Eren announced that the Labor Government is providing $250,000 so that the venue can protect the memories that are forever etched in our national story.
“As we prepare to mark 50 years since the Battle of Long Tan, we should remember and learn from those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” Mr. Eren commented.
Mr. Eren went on to explain that last week, Victorians paused to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day, held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Next year, we mark the 50th anniversary of the famous battle, where 108 young men from D Company 6 RAR encountered the Viet Cong in a rubber plantation outside the Australian base at Nui Dat. With accurate field artillery support and reinforcement from A and B Company, the Australians resisted an attack of more than 1500 Viet Cong soldiers in one of the most extraordinary chapters in our history. Almost 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1973 and 521 were killed.
Mr. Eren explained that the Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget provides $1 million to host a Vietnam Veterans’ Parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and associated commemorative activities.