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Every year AVCAT opens scholarship applications on Vietnam Veterans Day, August 18.
The impact of service can be felt long after the transition into civilian life. On August 18, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam. And the effects felt by their families and community.
Originally known as Long Tan Day, the date was chosen to commemorate the men of D Company, 6RAR who fought in the battle of Long Tan in 1966. On the third anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, 18 August 1969, a cross was raised on the site of the battle by the men of 6RAR. Veterans from the battle gathered at the cross to commemorate the fallen, and the day was commemorated by them as Long Tan Day from then on.
In 1987, following the very Welcome Home parade for Vietnam veterans in Sydney, Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced that Long Tan Day would be known as Vietnam Veterans Day. Since then, it has been commemorated every year as the day on which the service of all those people who served in Vietnam is remembered.
Read more about Vietnam Veterans Day on the Australian War Memorial website here.
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