Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated annually on August 18, and this year it marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The battle involved 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.

D Company were greatly assisted by an ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from New Zealand's 161 Field Battery, together with additional artillery support from the Australian task force base at Nui Dat, and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell.

Commemorative events are taking place across the country which provide an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Australians involved in the Vietnam War.

The major commemoration will be the public National Service, to be held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, which will be attended by the Governor-General, Prime Minister, other dignitaries and over 400 veterans.

On the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we should all reflect on the sacrifice and experiences of the Australians who served their country in Vietnam.

We honour and commemorate every single Australian who served in Vietnam. As is inscribed on the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial, today is a day, "for all those that served, suffered and died".

Dan Tehan

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Minister Assisting the Prime Minster on the Centenary of Anzac

Premier walks political tightrope and is destined for a big fall from grace.

Mike Baird seems to have forgotten that we still live in a democracy!

His current policies and actions towards NSW voters in regard to the NSW greyhound industry and the current sale of our electricity grid to overseas investors are abhorrent.

He has turned his back on the voters who elected him.

He would do well to cast his young mind back to the actions of a previous state premier, Bob Carr, and his “my way or the highway” tactics.

The NSW voters unequivocally rejected Bob Carr’s dictatorial actions just as they will in regard to the current premier’s actions.

Mr Baird would do well to remember the same voters that voted him in can be the voters who remove him.

NSW in my opinion is the most over regulated state in the country.

Investors are being offered more attractive business ventures in other states, so perhaps it is time the people considered a move to two tiers of government federal and local only.                                                                                                

Steve Bryson

Bonny Hills

It's with surprise residents  read that airlines are about to commence flights direct from Melbourne to Port.

We all hope this will bear the fruit and not fall from the tree like the jet services we were promised once we spent millions of dollars on runway extensions to cater for jet services then immediately returned to turboprop when completed .

 What about an all weather access road ,when will that come.

Doug Sutton

Waugh Street

Wauchope