Some were local residents and others, who were travelling the country by road, also paid their respects in Katherine.

Katherine RSL president Mark Hagger led the solemn ceremony, in which the service and sacrifice of almost 60,000 men and women who served in the Vietnam War was remembered.

This  year’s service also marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

During the service, Mr Hagger recounted the battle – one of the fiercest fought by Australian soldiers in Vietnam.

It involved 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6 Royal Australian Regiment.

The battle erupted at 4.25pm on August 18, 1966 in the Long Tan rubber plantation, about 5km from the Australian base.

“The Australians prevailed, but only after fighting in torrential rain for four hours,” Mr Hagger said. 

Eighteen Australians were killed in the battle and 24 were wounded.

The Katherine gathering stood in quiet contemplation as Mr Hagger read the names on the Long Tan Honour Roll.  

During the service the Last Post was played, followed by a minute’s silence before Reveille was also played. Katherine RSL member Scott Lander read The Ode, and the crowd sang the Australian national anthem.

A wreath laying ceremony was held, in which the following people placed wreaths of remembrance: 

Scott Lander, on behalf of Katherine RSL;

Francis Hayes, on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Families Counselling Service;

John and Alexis Berger, on behalf of the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Veterans Association;

Katherine mayor Fay Miller, on behalf of Katherine Town Council;

RAAF Wing Commander Andrew Tatnell and Warrant Officer Jason Randell, on behalf of the Australian Defence Force; 

Pat Witte, on behalf of Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe; 

Air Force cadets, on behalf of 803 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets.

Chaplain Mark Kleeman gave the opening and closing prayers and benediction. 

For more about the Battle of Long Tan, visit www.awm.gov.au