August 19, 2014
Ceremonies were held throughout the South Burnett on Thursday to mark Vietnam Veterans Day, the anniversary of the horrific battle of Long Tan in which 18 Australian soldiers died and 24 were wounded.
Commemorations were held at Hivesville, Kingaroy and Nanango.
On August 18, 1966, troops from Delta Company, 6RAR, found themselves trapped in a rubber plantation near Long Tan, being attacked by Viet Cong from three sides.
As torrential rain pelted down, the soldiers were resupplied ammunition from the air as they continued to battle for their lives, supported by artillery fire from Nui Dat.
Yesterday in Nanango, the sound of choppers again filled the air – this time from loudspeakers placed near the War Memorial in Drayton Street.
As quiet returned, prayers were said and a history of the Long Tan battle read aloud before the Last Post sounded and a minute’s silence was held.
Wreathes were placed on the monument by local dignitaries and representatives from several local organisations.
