Moree RSL sub-Branch members and guests at Moree’s Vietnam Memorial during the 2025 Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations. Image supplied.
Moree RSL sub-Branch will commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on Tuesday, August 18, with a service at Moree’s Vietnam Memorial marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan.
The main commemorative service will begin at 5.05pm at the Vietnam Memorial in ANZAC Centenary Park, opposite 321 Gosport Street. The sub-Branch said the late-afternoon time was chosen because the Battle of Long Tan took place late in the afternoon on August 18, 1966.
Vietnam Veterans Day, previously known as Long Tan Day, commemorates Australians who served in the Vietnam War and those who lost their lives.
Moree has a particular connection to the Battle of Long Tan through Private Max Wales, who was among 18 Australians killed in the battle.
Memorials associated with Private Wales and Long Tan are located at Albert Street on the Mehi Riverbank and at Lyle Houlahan Park, on the corner of Alice and Frome streets. The RSL sub-Branch will lay wreaths at the Albert Street memorial at 9.45am and the Lyle Houlahan Park memorial at 10.15am.
The Vietnam Memorial in ANZAC Centenary Park commemorates the 521 Australian servicemen who died during the Vietnam War.
Unlike most memorials, where names are generally listed alphabetically, the names on Moree’s Vietnam Memorial are arranged chronologically. The arrangement means servicemen who died at the same time are listed alongside each other.
Moree RSL sub-Branch has invited the community to attend the main commemorative service at 5.05pm.
Seating will be provided, with light refreshments following the service at approximately 5.30pm.
