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Vietnam Veterans’ Day

David Kelly slides of Australian Servicemen in Vietnam, 1968-1969

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

Commemorated 18 August: the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day (18 August) recognises the invaluable contribution of Australians who served in the Vietnam War. More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1973, with some returning for humanitarian operations in 1975. Sadly, 523 died, some 3,000 were wounded or fell ill, and – amidst strong anti-war sentiment – many who returned home were treated unfairly by some members of the community.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a chance for us all to pay the respects that Vietnam vets were often denied, but always deserved.

Lest we forget

If you can’t join us in person, take a moment to pay your respects by placing a virtual poppy.

Place a poppy at Anzac Square and online

Stories of Service

Claude Malone resting while on patrol, Vietnam War

Claude Malone

Australia’s decade-long involvement in the Vietnam War remains a significant cultural touchstone for those who lived through it.

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Portrait of Australia's latest Victoria Cross (VC) recipient, Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Keith Payne, LES/69/0593/VN, Australian War Memorial

Keith Payne

Australia’s highest military honour is the Victoria Cross (VC). It has been awarded through the British Imperial system (as the VC)and later through the Australian Honours system (as the VC for Australia) to people who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice.

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Image of Captain Andrew Craig on Duty

Andrew Craig

Andrew Craig RAN (Retd) OAM, a former naval officer and helicopter pilot, served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1958-1988, retiring with the rank of Captain.

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Ways to commemorate

Two happy looking women using touchscreens. Projections are shown on the wall behind them with old photographs.

Explore the galleries

Embark on a journey from World War I to today inside Anzac Square Memorial Galleries.

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A group of people facing a staff member who is gesturing towards a plaque.

Book a guided tour

Join us for a free, 45-minutes guided tour.

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Indigenous Veteran

Watch Indigenous Vietnam War veterans digital stories

Learn about the experiences of Vietnam veterans Claude Malone, Peter John Hegarty and Uncle Eric John Law AM.

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RAAF airman Jon Fallows with another serviceman, inside a military plane, Vietnam. 1968-1969.

Watch Queensland Vietnam War veterans digital stories.

Listen to Queenslanders share their experiences of the Vietnam War.

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Captain Andrew Craig RAN photograph of three servicemen sitting around

Browse our stories

Read about stories of service and the Queensland war experience.

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Corporal Victor Patty standing by a medivac Huey helicopter, Vietnam 1967

Explore the collection

Find eBooks, blogs and collection items relating to the Vietnam War.

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Over the shoulder shot of woman and teenaged daughter accessing Trove on a laptop.

Search Trove

Explore the digital collections of Australian libraries, museums, media and more.

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Medals - cropped

Queensland Veterans' Portal

Offering information and resources for current and ex-Australian Defence Force members.

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Man giving a speech, Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration service at Anzac Square, Brisbane, 18 August 2023

Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Service

A Vietnam Veterans' Day Remembrance Service will be held at Anzac Square, Brisbane on Monday 18th August 2025, commencing at 11:00am.