Canungra will honour Vietnam Veterans with a special service at the relocated Vietnam Veterans Memorial on August 18.
The memorial was relocated from inside Kokoda Barracks to outside the main entrance in December 2023 to make it more accessible.
The service will recognise the major battles of Long Tan in 1966 and Fire Support Bases of Coral and Balmoral on May 12 and June 6, 1968 in which 43 Australian Soldiers died and over 100 were wounded.
In addition to these battles, personnel who participated in action of the Vietnam War are recognised and their battles are not forgotten.
In recognition of the actions of those units involved, 20 plaques will be laid and dedicated at this service. The following units were awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry some 50 years after this conflict:
- 1st and 3rd Battalions – Royal Australian Regiment
- A Squadron – 3rd Cavalry Regiment
- C Squadron – 1st Armoured Regiment
- 12th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery
- 1st Field Squadron Royal Australian Engineers
History shows this period saw some of the most intense fighting of the Vietnam War.
During Operation Toan Thang, the Australians met the North Vietnamese Army for the first time in regimental strength, operating in depth against enemy main forces in what was almost conventional warfare engagements.
The Australian fought their longest, most hazardous and most sustained battles of war. The Australians withstood massive enemy attacks in which two of their positions were partly overrun, and in turn, patrolling companies assaulted well defended enemy bunker systems in fierce close quarter actions.
These battles also provided the first major test for Australian Tanks in Vietnam.
The Service will commence at 11am at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Kokoda Barracks Land Warfare Centre, Beechmont Road, Witheren.
Morning tea will be available before and after the service.
