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Vietnam allows small groups to visit Long Tan site

Vietnam has agreed to allow restricted access to the Long Tan Cross site to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan, after last-minute negotiations with the Australian Government.

The plaque on the Long Tan Cross. Photo: AAP

The plaque on the Long Tan Cross. Photo: AAP

The planned ceremony remains cancelled, but small groups of 100 people or less will be able to travel to the site from this morning to lay wreaths.

The concession follows high-level consultations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments after the latter announced yesterday that it was blocking access to the site, earning a stern rebuke from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said it was a good outcome that the Prime Minister was able to negotiate.

“Obviously we were all shocked and disappointed yesterday with the news that had come from Vietnam,” he told the Nine Network.

“Our hope is now that our veterans and their families will be able to travel to the site and pay their respects to the fallen and to all those who served in a very dignified way.”

Tehan said Australian officials will do their best to make sure everyone could get access.

Restrictions on wearing medals were consistent with past practice, he added.

“There is still sensitivities in Vietnam regarding the war.”

Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia national president Ken Foster was worried the news might not filter through to veterans who were busy getting ready for their own commemorations.

“A lot of them will still be very distressed at the thought that their mates that are over there at the moment won’t be able to visit the site,” he said.

“So there’s going to be potentially some fallout from this.”

He reminded veterans in Australia and those returning from Vietnam that counselling services are available for them.

About 1000 veterans have travelled for commemorations at the Long Tan Cross site.

The Australian Government had promised the event would be held in a low-key and respectful way, but in announcing the cancellation yesterday Vietnam cited concerns about “deep sensitivities” over the battle and the impact the commemorations could have on the local community.

Speaking to a Long Tan dinner in Canberra yesterday before the compromise was reached, Turnbull said: “This decision and especially its timing shows a disregard for those Australians who have in good faith travelled to Vietnam to participate in this week’s events.”

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At the same time, Tehan had described the cancellation as a “kick in the guts”.

The battle of Long Tan – on August 18, 1966 – was one of the bloodiest fought by Australians in the Vietnam War, with 108 soldiers of Delta Company, 6th Battalion, facing more than 2000 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. In torrential rain, the soldiers of D company fought off repeated attacks over a period of four hours, assisted by New Zealand and US gunners.

Hundreds of veterans and their families, as well as dignitaries including the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, gathered for morning services at the Australian War Memorial today to honour the 18 diggers killed in the battle.

Governor-General Peter Cosgrove told a stand-to service in Canberra that Long Tan was both a simple and complex battle.

“The simplicity is that it quickly became a battle for survival,” he said.

“It was complex in that the indefatigable efforts of others particularly the artillery, kept those men from being over-run.”

Turnbull said the nation remembered with heavy hearts the 521 Australians killed in Vietnam.

“They displayed the courage and the selflessness we have come to associate with the Anzac legend,” he told a later morning service.

The Prime Minister said the bravery and the determination showed throughout Australia’s service in the Vietnam War was etched into our national story.

“We acknowledge today the many service men and women who were wounded often in ways we have been too slow to recognise and help.

“Your sacrifice has continued long after your service.”

-AAP

Topics: Vietnam
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