The Tasmanian Government proudly supports our State’s 17,500 veterans and their families as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
In acknowledging this year’s anniversaries, communities throughout Australia remember the service made by the 60,000 men and women, of whom more than 500 died, in a conflict that spanned 12 years – making it the longest war in which Australians have participated.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said that Tasmania did not have a specific unit raised during the Vietnam War, however 1800 Tasmanians served and 17 Tasmanian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Since the Vietnam War, veterans have helped improve our understanding of the physical and mental impact of war and have provided support services to
ex-serving personnel and their families.
“Today, before the national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War to be held on the 18th August 2023, we remember our Tasmanian Vietnam Veterans through a special luncheon with guest speaker Mrs Patricia Thompson, who is better known as ‘Little Patti’.
“Little Patti started her singing career as a teenager in the early 1960s and was entertaining troops during the Vietnam War in Nui Dat as an Australian Forces Sweetheart. Little Patti was singing on stage, backed by the Joy Boys, when the Battle of Long Tan began on 18 August 1966 less than 4 kilometres away.
“The band and Little Patti were evacuated from the area by air before the scheduled performances were finished with a first-hand account of the Battle of the Long Tan from the skies above,” Minister Barnett said.
Recognised for her services in support of the Australian Armed Forces in operations in Vietnam, Little Patti received the Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal. In 2003 Little Patti received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Today we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought for the freedom of this country and our Vietnam Veterans and their motto, ‘Honour the Dead but Fight like Hell for the Living’.
Lest We Forget
