Many more will attend local services right around the state, or simply reflect upon their family’s own unique connection with the war in their own special way.

It’s the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, when 108 brave Australian soldiers from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 2000 Viet Cong soldiers.

Eighteen Australians lost their lives on that fateful day at a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, and another 24 were wounded. It was the bloodiest battle of the lengthy war, but a decisive victory for Australia.

Today, like every day, we acknowledge and honour the extraordinary gift our veterans gave us, but it hasn’t always been that way.

The Vietnam War can aptly be penned the controversial war. It was the first major conflict to be played out on television screens, and Australian support for the war would wane as the years of battle passed.

The war coincided with an era of great social upheaval in Australia, and our nation’s involvement galvanised a fierce protest movement and gave disparate groups common ground. They were seeking social change, and the war brought them together.

As if the guerrilla warfare of Vietnam wasn’t enough, many servicemen were forced to confront new challenges upon their return home – a hostile, divided and unappreciative Australia. 

It added to the trauma they had endured. It wasn’t fair.

After extraordinary service to their country, many returned home under the cover of darkness. They were instructed not to wear their uniforms, and the fanfare that often greets returned soldiers today was nowhere to be seen.

Many veterans faced a difficult period of readjustment when they returned home. Sadly, many still do today. 

The health and wellbeing of veterans is the responsibility of all Australians. They protected us and it’s our job to protect them. They’ve earned it, and for the rest of their lives.

For Australia, the Vietnam War ended in 1973, but for many veterans their service was only just beginning. So gallant on the battlefields, many veterans turned their focus towards advocacy work that would improve the lives of so many Australians.

They worked hard to improve relations among the veteran community – a camaraderie so critical for many veterans grappling with the transition to normal life – and helped educate the wider community about the mental plight many veterans grappled.

In fact, it was a concerted push by the Vietnam veteran community into studies of post-traumatic stress disorder that led to significant advances in treatment – not just for veterans, but the wider community too, such as survivors of the Port Arthur Massacre.

Almost 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, including ground troops, air force and army personnel. Some 521 would never make it home.

Our veterans gave us a great gift, and it’s our duty to preserve their extraordinary legacy. Today, 50 years on from the Battle of Long Tan, take a moment to reflect on the brave young Australians who walked into a deadly inferno, unflinching, with their nation’s interests at heart.

Take the time to reflect on the thousands more who answered their country’s call.

We will never forget their service.