Fifty years ago, and still today: The Battle of Long Tan.

My original article.

Updated today with the news that the Vietnamese government hasn’t quite laid down its weapons.

The Turnbull government was on Wednesday night seeking an urgent change of heart by Vietnam after the country delivered a “kick in the guts” by banning Thursday’s 50-year Long Tan battle commemoration.

The abrupt decision by Hanoi to stop the commemoration service – which was 18 months in the planning – because of lingering sensitivities about the war has left in limbo about 1000 veterans and their families who have already travelled to Vietnam.

Video of Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan’s announcement at the link.

The Long Tan Memorial has a complex history, so perhaps this sudden move by the Vietnamese should not be a complete surprise. Read it here.

The memorial dedication service held on the site of the battle of Long Tan on
18 August 1969 by members of 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) to honour the fallen soldiers
of 6RAR from both deployments to Vietnam. Veterans of the battle of Long Tan
line either side of the cross while the remainder of the battalion are assembled
under the surrounding rubber trees.
EKN/69/0083/VN.