Premier

Helping Students Honour Our Vietnam Veterans

23 June 2016

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian schools send students to the Vietnam Veterans Day March and Service at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Minister for Veterans John Eren today announced schools will be eligible to apply for subsidies to help with the costs of travel to attend the free event at the Shrine of Remembrance, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

All Victorians deserve an opportunity to pay their respects to our wartime legacy. Schools in Melbourne will be able to apply for subsidies of up to $500, while regional schools can apply for subsidies of up to $1000. For school registrations visit www.shrine.org.au/vvdstudentsExternal Link

The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th century. Almost 60,000 Australians fought in the war. More than 500 Australians lost their lives serving their country.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 brave young men from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers. It would become one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia’s military history.

The Victorian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and the Andrews Labor Government are working hard to deliver a thoughtful program of activities to commemorate this important anniversary. The Vietnam Veterans Day March will begin at the Police Memorial on St Kilda Road, before a service at the Shrine.

Vietnam Veterans Day is August 18. For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/victoriaremembers/vietnamExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans John Eren

“The Vietnam Veterans Day march and service at the Shrine of Remembrance will be a great opportunity to pay our respects to the veterans who gave us all a great gift.”

“The Battle of Long Tan is one of the most decisive chapters in our military history.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We want all Victorian students to share in the memories of our brave servicemen and women, no matter where they study.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?