A new plaque and tree for Vietnam Veterans at the Post-1945 Memorial were unveiled during the Vietnam Veterans Day memorial service at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The plaque and tree were produced by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and serve as a memorabilia for veterans and their families.

Vietnam Veterans Day, which falls on August 18, is an opportunity to remember the approximately 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War, 521 of whom lost their lives and over 3,000 were wounded.

It takes place on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, in which 108 young Australians from D Company 6 RAR withstood an attack by more than 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers.

The Battle of Long Tan was the largest single-day loss of life for Australians in the entire conflict, with 18 soldiers killed and 24 wounded.

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan, who attended the service, paid her respects to the heroes of yesteryear.

“Our Vietnam veterans answered their calling in a conflict far from home and fought for their country under unimaginable challenges. As a nation, we are so proud of our Vietnam veterans,” she said.

The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th century. Australia’s involvement officially ended with a proclamation by the Governor-General on 11 January 1973.

Bob Elworthy AM, President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia in the state of Victoria, stressed the importance of Vietnam Veterans Day in honouring veterans.

“On Vietnam Veterans Day, we will once again gather to recognise the sacrifices of our fallen, honour the service of all Vietnam veterans and renew our resolve to continue to fight for those still with us. The unveiling of our plaque in the Shrine Gardens today is a proud moment of recognition of the service and sacrifice of all of Victoria’s Vietnam veterans,” he said.

The Shrine of Remembrance displays objects, artworks, photographs and video footage documenting Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in a permanent and free exhibition in the Post ’45 section of the Galleries of Remembrance.