Events will pay respect to soldiers who served in the Vietnam War

The sacrifice of soldiers who served in the Vietnam War will be recognised at two Macarthur region services for Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday.

Vietnam veteran Terry Chisholm at Thirlmere War Memorial in the leadup to Vietnam Veterans Day. Picture: Simon Bullard

The sacrifice of soldiers who served in the Vietnam War will be recognised at two Macarthur region services for Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday.

The day is held on August 18 every year, on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Eighteen Australian soldiers were killed when the men of D Company, 6RAR, fought a battle against over 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops not far from the small village of Long Tan.

Services will be held at Mason St, Thirlmere, and Mawson Park, Campbelltown.

Picton-Thirlmere-Bargo RSL sub-branch president Tim Bennett-Smith said the group would hold its second ever service this year.

“Last year was the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and we had a very well attended inaugural service,” he said.

“From that we’ve decided to make it an annual event.

“We’ve got the whole of Thirlmere Public School coming along this year so it should be a great service and a great remembrance of the sacrifices made.”

Vietnam Veterans Association Macarthur branch president Ray James said the Campbelltown service would be one of the biggest in the state. “Vietnam Veterans Day is the day we remember the battles of Vietnam and the soldiers who served,” he said. “There are many veterans living in Macarthur suffering the effects of that war today.

“We will never forget our comrades who are suffering and we will never forget those who didn’t come back.

The Macarthur branch has been hosting the services for the last 15 years.

“Last year we had in excess of 200 people attend,” Mr James said.

“We know that 521 people lost their lives in this war, including “Dasher” Wheatley, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and whose family lives in Macarthur. He is honoured by a plaque at Mawson Park.

“I hope to see everybody there for this solemn day.”

Australian soldiers fought in The Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975.

WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day services on Friday in Mason St, Thirlmere, at 11am and Mawson Park, Campbelltown, at 10am

WHO: Almost 6000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1975, 521 were killed and almost 3000 wounded