Vietnam veteran Phillip Moscatt raised the national flag to commemorate Vietnam Veterans' Day, and the legacy of those who have served and fallen for Australia.
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The president of the Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans' Association raised the flag this morning and laid a wreath of flowers at the Bowral Vietnam War Memorial in Settlers Park.
Today marked the 55th anniversary since Australia suffered the highest number of casualties in the war in the Battle of Long Tan.
Mr Moscatt said that more Australians have understood the significance of the war as time has passed.
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"The day has been a form of recognition for the service we put in, which was not popular at the time," he said.
Mr Moscatt was based overseas for 12 months in 1966.
"The reception we returned to was not nice - when we marched the streets when we returned in 1967, it was a combination of cheers and jeers.
"The experience when we came home was almost as traumatic as being over there."
The broadcasting of the Vietnam War meant millions across the globe were confronted with the onslaught in their lounge rooms.
Australia's involvement was met with hostility back home where individuals such as protestors, resisting drafters and others who opposed were fined or imprisoned.
About 60,000 Australians were sent to Vietnam from 1962 where 521 lives were tragically lost, and 3000 individuals were wounded.
"For us, the day has been a way to remember the names of over 500 people who lost their lives," Mr Moscatt added.
"It was also a way to recognise their service and sacrifice."
Read also: Vietnam veteran awarded OAM
Mr Moscatt was 21 when he was based in Nui Dat in South Vietnam, and was attached to the first Australian Task Force in the Defence and Employment Platoon.
"I did a mix of patrols in the jungle, and work in the camp," he said.
"I put up tents with troops, dug fox-holes and put up buildings.
"One of the interesting things was that there was a Little Pattie concert on at headquarters when Long Tan occurred."
Col Joy and the Joy Boys were also on tour with the 60s pop idol, and the late Lorrae Desmond also performed when Mr Moscatt was in Vietnam.
"You tended to remember the good times over the bad, that could be the nature of memory," he continued.
"I had close friends 55 years ago that I am still close with now.
"There's a shared bond between veterans because it was a shared experience no matter where they served."
Despite the cancellation of ceremonies across the state due to the lockdown imposed over the weekend, there is still the opportunity to commemorate the national milestone at a distance.
Highlanders could also livestream the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial at 4:55pm AEST, but attendees must register in advance.
The Last Post Ceremony has been livestreamed daily and tickets would be free of charge.
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