Vietnam Veterans remembered in Afghanistan

Vietnam Veterans remembered in Afghanistan

A replica of the cross that has come to symbolise the sacrifice of Australian servicemen in Vietnam a generation ago took pride of place in a ceremony at Multi-National Base - Tarin Kot yesterday.

Australian troops reflected on the service of their fighting forebears during the Long Tan Day commemoration in a world far removed from the jungle and plantations of Vietnam.

Addressing the Australian, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops who attended the memorial service, 1st Mentoring Task Force Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings said the exploits of Delta Company 6RAR in 1966 had come to symbolise Australia’s contribution to the war in South Vietnam but the day was also especially poignant for the soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan.

“While we take time out to reflect and pay respects to the 18 men of 6RAR who died at Long Tan, take a moment to remember this Task Force, our predecessors and our fellow warriors from the Special Operations Task Group who have lost 18 of our own generation here in Afghanistan,” Lieutenant Colonel Jennings said.

“The 6RAR Battlegroup – Mentoring Task Force 1 of 2010 – carries on the tradition set by our forebears.”
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Vietnam Veterans remembered in Afghanistan