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Remember and honor the sacrifices made on Long Tan Day with ceremonies, tributes, and remembrance events. Lest we forget.
Mark your calendars for August 18, because it's time to commemorate Long Tan Day! This day is named after the Battle of Long Tan, which took place during the Vietnam War in 1966. It was a significant event that involved Australian and New Zealand soldiers fighting against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. Today, Long Tan Day is not only a way to remember and honor those who fought in this battle, but also a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by all soldiers who have served their countries. So let's take a moment to pay our respects and show gratitude for their bravery and dedication.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Long Tan</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Battle of Long Tan takes place, where Australian forces engaged with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, marking a significant event in the Vietnam War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Long Tan Day Service</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official commemorative service for the Battle of Long Tan, later known as Long Tan Day, was held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Long Tan Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Australian Government officially recognized August 18 as Long Tan Day, honoring the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Name Change to Vietnam Veterans Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Long Tan Day was officially renamed to Vietnam Veterans Day by the Australian Government, expanding the commemoration to all veterans of the Vietnam War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Long Tan Cross Returned</div><div class='timeline-text'>The original cross erected by Australian soldiers in Long Tan was returned to Australia and is displayed in the Australian War Memorial.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>50th Anniversary Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan was commemorated with special events, issuing a special "Battle of Long Tan Anniversary Medal".</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a commemorative ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold ceremonies to honor the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. Attend one of these ceremonies to pay your respects and learn more about the significance of this day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about the history of Long Tan</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about the Battle of Long Tan, its impact on the Vietnam War, and the soldiers who fought in it. This will help you better understand the importance of honoring this day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film about Long Tan</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many documentaries and films that depict the events of the Battle of Long Tan. Consider watching one to gain a deeper understanding of this historic event and its impact on Australian history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war memorial</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pay your respects to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan by visiting a war memorial. You can also lay flowers or wreaths to honor their memory.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a moment of silence</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>At 6:00 pm on Long Tan Day, hold a moment of silence to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Long Tan. This is a simple yet powerful way to honor their sacrifice and show your support.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honoring our veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Long Tan Day, also known as Vietnam Veterans Day, is a day to remember and honor the soldiers who fought in one of the longest and most controversial wars in modern history. It's a time to show appreciation for their sacrifices and bravery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Understanding history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As time goes on, it's important to reflect on past events and learn from them. Long Tan Day allows us to understand the impact of the Vietnam War and its effects on both individual lives and society as a whole.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bringing people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Long Tan Day is observed by numerous countries, including Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and America. This day serves as a way to bring together different communities and cultures through shared remembrance and respect for those who fought in the war.</p></div></div>
Long Tan Day is celebrated on August 18 every year. In 2024 Long Tan Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Aug 18
Friday
2024
Aug 18
Sunday
2025
Aug 18
Monday
2026
Aug 18
Tuesday
2027
Aug 18
Wednesday
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