Vietnam vet with mate to the end

Best mates Allan English and Anthony Waring endured the horrors of the Vietnam War together, fighting side-by-side until June 16, 1969, when they were hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade in Phuoc Tuy Province.

"We were together when it happened and we travelled in the same helicopter and we were in the same operating theatre when he passed away," Mr English recalled, his voice wavering. "You can never remove traumatic events like that from your life."

Mr Waring's memory was honoured on Vietnam Veterans Day yesterday when a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the reserve named after him in Clarkson.

Mr English came from Queensland to attend the ceremony held by Quinns Rocks Returned and Services League, alongside members of Mr Waring's family.

Yesterday was the 47th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, which claimed the lives of 18 Australians. Those who fought in the controversial war that divided the nation between 1962 and 1972 were commemorated across the country.

Quinns Rocks RSL president Frank Baldry said the day was an important opportunity to reflect on past mistakes, particularly the shocking treatment of the mostly conscripted veterans when they returned home.

"Vietnam was not a popular war and those who returned did so in the dead of night without any form of recognition or support," he said. "Many of those that did serve are still suffering from the abuse foisted upon them. It took a long time for Australians to recognise the courage of those who served in the war, especially the 521 that were killed."