News
19 August, 2026
Veterans gather to remember comrades
Veterans from the Mittagong RSL Sub Branch gathered in the cold at the Cherry Tree Walk memorial on Tuesday morning to remember their fallen comrades.
Veterans from the Mittagong RSL Sub Branch gathered in the cold at the Cherry Tree Walk memorial this morning to remember their fallen comrades.
Today (Tuesday August 18) marks Vietnam Veteran's Day, where veterans who served in the Vietnam War gathered across Australia to remember.
2026 also marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan which occurred in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.
On August 18, 1966, D Company 6 RAR received their 'baptism of fire' at Long Tan when they came up against the Viet Cong, the military arm of the National Liberation Front (NLF), a network of communist insurgents across South Vietnam; and the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) units from North Vietnam.
President of the Mittagong RSL Sub Branch, Jim Cole, emceed the service, along with Mr. John 'Jack' Smith providing an address on the history and the significance of the battle.
"It's actually a special day, particularly for Vietnam veterans but for all ex-servicemen and current service personnel as well," Mr. Cole told The Southern Wire.
Frensham students Matilda Burnheim, Charlotte Hui and Samantha Kennedy also spoke on behalf of their school.
The Reverend Rob Sharp from Mittagong Anglican Church also said the Vietnam Veterans' Prayer and concluding prayers as well.
Wreaths were also laid at the memorial by several local organisations including the Mittagong RSL Sub Branch, PAWS Pet Therapy, Wingecarribee Shire Council (represented by Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick), Moss Vale RSL Sub Branch and Frensham School.
The Lament was also played on the bagpipes by Major Chris Tabram during the wreath laying ceremony.
And of course, the Ode was read out followed by the Last Post, one minute’s silence and then The Reveille, as well as the singing of the Australian National Anthem.
Mr Cole emphasised the importance of being a part of your local RSL Sub branch.
"The best way of doing it is to go to the Mittagong RSL Club and ask at reception, and you will be given appropriate phone numbers and people to see," Mr. Cole said.
"We welcome anybody, particularly any ex-servicemen but also anybody who would like to support us."
The sub branch meets at 10:30am on the third Wednesday of each month at the Mittagong RSL Club, Bessemer St, Mittagong. You can also email them at MittagongSB@rslnsw.org.au.
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