August 18 marks Vietnam Veterans Day and was the day, 49 years ago, of the Battle of Long Tan.

North West Vietnam Veterans Social Group president Wally Franklin said the service in Tamworth saw about 100 people gathered on Marius St to pay their respects.

“I am very happy with the turnout and very happy with the official guests,” he said.

“It turned out to be a very nice day and I give thanks to Tamworth Regional Council for the landscaping and barriers. Hopefully next year will be even bigger. 

“Everyone was impressed with the new monument.”

The service included wreath laying by many organisations, including Tamworth RSL 

Sub-branch, Vietnam War veterans, 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers, Australian Defence Force Basic Flying Training School, Legacy, police and the National Servicemen’s Association.

The 12/16 HRL also conducted the catafalque party, and Father Tom Shanahan, a Vietnam veteran, did the dedication.

Keynote speaker for the occasion was John Sommerlad, whose father was a correspondent in the war and who visited Vietnam with Mr Franklin last year.

“He spoke about the Vietnam War, the history of it and gave special mention to the Tamworth man killed in the Battle of Long Tan, 2nd Lieutenant Gordon Sharp,” Mr Franklin said.

“While we were having that service, it was 49 years ago that 2nd Lieutenant Gordon Sharp was killed. Mr Sommerlad also spoke about the Battle of Coral.” 

The Vietnam War veteran said conditions had definitely improved for him and his comrades.

“There is certainly a lot more awareness of the Vietnam veterans,” he said. “We were the forgotten soldiers and a lot of that has been rectified but, for some, it was too late.”

After the service, the veterans, ex-service and serving personnel enjoyed a meal and refreshments at the 12/16 HRL Beersheba Barracks in Tamworth.