The Tasmanian Government strongly supports our veterans community and acknowledges that this year marks 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
“The Tasmanian Government continues to support our Veterans whose service and sacrifice must not be forgotten and have approved $5000 to be disbursed to the 5 Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Tasmania branches to support the commemoration services signifying the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War,” Minister Barnett said.
“Tomorrow (June 6) also marks the 54th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba – one of Australia’s most significant engagements in the Vietnam War. On June 6, 1969, two Australian armoured vehicles travelling north from the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat were fired upon from the village of Binh Ba.
“What would follow would see the engagement of Australian soldiers, Australian armoured carriers and a troop of Centurion tanks from 1st Armoured Regiment face a formidable force of regular North Vietnamese Army troops in which 1 Australian was killed, 10 wounded and four Centurion tanks damaged by enemy rocket-propelled grenades.
“The battle was a decisive victory for the Australians and the regiments involved which occurred over half a century ago. A moment in time when Australians as they always have served for the freedoms of our Country.
“More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, including over 3500 casualties, during the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th Century. 2300 Tasmanian-born soldiers served in the Vietnam War with 16 of those soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice,” Minister Barnett said.
Australia's participation in the Vietnam War was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.
Lest we Forget