Highlanders came out in force to show their support for Vietnam Veterans on August 18.
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More than 100 veterans and other community members gathered at Settlers Park Bowral for the 53rd anniversary of the Battle on Long Tan on August 18, 1966.
The commemorative service was organised by the Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans and gave members of the public an opportunity to acknowledge those who served and those who lost their lives in South Vietnam.
Bowral High School provided the guest speaker and student speakers while Chevalier College provided the bugler.
An impressive catafalque party was mounted by the 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment, an Army Reserve unit from south west Sydney was also on hand.
Veterans marched down Cherry Tree Walk to the familiar sounds of Pipe Major Chris Tabram's bagpipes.
Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith, Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Wingecarribee Shire Council mayor Duncan Gair and Clr Graham McLaughlin laid wreaths along with local ex-Service organisations, Legacy and secondary colleges. Cr Ian Scandrett was also in attendance to pay his respects.
Veterans were heartened by this high level of support by the community.
SHVVPPA president Phill Moscatt, a former National Service Infantry soldier, thanked those present and expressed his appreciation for the outstanding support provided by the Wingecarribee Shire Council, Bowral High School, the Mittagong RSL Club and Chevalier College.
Bowral's Empire Theatre is currently showing the movie, Danger Close - The Battle of Long Tan.