On Monday, 18 August, locals, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Deep Creek Veterans Retreat in Ayr to mark the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Commencing at 11 am, the annual parade commemorated the 1966 battle in Vietnam—one of the key engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War—honouring past veterans with a wreath-laying service, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and a bagpipe performance of Lament.
Among the 50-plus attendees were Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Burdekin-born-and-bred veteran Stan Hodder, who served at Long Tan.
After the parade, attendees were invited to stay for light refreshments.
Hosted by the Burdekin sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, the Battle of Long Tan anniversary parade is one of three main commemorative events held by the association, alongside ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
The event offered an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the service and experiences of local veterans.