A MID-MORNING commemorative service in Beechworth on Wednesday marked Vietnam Veterans' Day where all those who served in Vietnam were remembered for their bravery, endurance and sacrifice on the anniversary of one of the fiercest battles fought in the war.

Held in the Beechworth Town Hall Gardens at the cenotaph by Beechworth RSL sub-branch in a COVIDsafe way with a small number of people in attendance, presidents from Myrtleford and Mt Beauty RSL clubs who where also Vietnam veterans joined the special occasion.

Commemorated on August 18 every year around the nation, Beechworth RSL sub-branch president John Eldrid said the important day, originally known as Long Tan Day, had been chosen to remember the men of D Company in the Royal Australian Regiments 6th battalion (6RAR) who fought in the battle of Long Tan in 1966.

"On that day 108 Australians and New Zealand soldiers fought a pitched battle against more than 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the village of Long Tan," he said.

"It is very fitting that we honour Vietnam veterans with this special day on Australia's calendar when we recognise all who served and especially the 521 men who paid the supreme sacrifice on active duty in the Vietnam War 1962 to 1975."

With Australian troops first sent to Vietnam in 1962, Mr Eldrid said numbers increased over a decade where more than 58,000 had served in the conflict by the end of the war.

"Vietnam Veterans' Day is an opportunity for all Australians and particularly for veterans, their family and friends to commemorate all battles as well as service in that war.

Mr Eldrid said the day honoured service and sacrifice of selfless, courageous people who had contributed to shaping the national character.

With Vietnam veterans continuing to carry burdens of their service, he said the remarkable generation of men and women who with their families, had fought hard to ensure serve was never forgotten.

Beechworth musician Lazy Harry – alias Mark Stephens – strummed his guitar while he sang 'I was only 19' – a song released in 1983 written by Redgum's leader singer at the time, John Schumann, which gives a sympathetic account of an Australian soldier's experience of war in the 6RAR in Vietnam in 1969.

Lazy Harry also led the Australian National Anthem which followed the lowering and raising of flags, wreath laying on behalf of RSL clubs by Graham Lade for Beechworth, president Les Jordan for Mt Beauty and president Brian Meehan for Myrtleford, reading of The Ode, Last Post played, one minute silence observed, Lest We Forget and the Rouse.

With the significance of recognising Vietnam veterans' service, Mr Meehan said not only remembering those who served, and who didn't come home but those who were permanently injured both mentally and physically should never be forgotten

Mr Eldrid said next year's service will be hosted by the Myrtleford RSL Club in their town.