More than 300 veterans of the Battle of Long Tan have been invited to a reception at Parliament House to commemorate the 40th anniversary of one of the Vietnam War's most significant battles. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Bruce Billson said this was an extremely important year for honouring and remembering Vietnam veterans, with 2006 also marking the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

"On 18 August 1966, Australian soldiers from D Company of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), encountered the leading elements of an enemy force that was about 3000-strong in a rubber plantation north of the
village of Long Tan."

"Although heavily outnumbered, the Australians held firm with a remarkable display of courage and determination until a relief force arrived. 18 Australians lay dead with another 24 wounded, the most Australians killed in any one engagement of the Vietnam conflict. The anniversary of this battle is now observed as Vietnam Veterans' Day."

"The Australian Government is funding significant commemorative activities across the nation, with a vast range of events planned in many centres," Mr Billson said. The Canberra reception honours those involved in the Battle of Long Tan -
members of D Company, members of the relief force, and men from the supporting units. There will also be a parade and concert at the Enoggera Barracks, home of 6RAR, on Vietnam veterans' Day. "Of course many veterans will prefer to commemorate their fallen mates within their own communities and so the Australian Government is providing grants for local activities, including ceremonies and reunions," Mr Billson said.

"In total, the Government committed $4.5 million in the 2006-07 Budget to develop a range of initiatives to mark this significant anniversary in consultation with the Vietnam veteran community, including: