As the sun set on Sunday, those who fought in wars were remembered.
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The 53rd anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan was commemorated at the Warrnambool Soldiers' Memorial and Vietnam veteran and Warrnambool RSL sub-branch president John Miles said the importance of the day has not been lost in time.
"August 18 is a day of remembrance where we stop and think about what happened," he said.
"Not only do we remember what we personally went through, we think about the 521 Australians who died.
"This day is just like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day where we take the time to reflect on all wars, all soldiers, all of those who came back and all who didn't."
60,000 Australian service men and women served in the Vietnam War and returned home to silence from the Australian government and public.
As time passed, Vietnam Veterans eventually received a long-awaited and deserved apology for their treatment when they returned from conflict and August 18 is an opportunity to continue passing on lessons learnt.
"I feel as though the remembrance of war is only getting stronger," Mr Miles said.
"Every year we have more and more people turn out for our services.
"Now that the wars are back being taught in schools, more people are aware of what happened and want to pay their respects."
Modern-day representations, tributes and depicts of war also contribute to the increasing recognition of remembrance days Mr Miles said and he hopes more people will pay their respects as they learn about what horrors occurred.
"Movies such as Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan could definitely have an impact on people coming to our ceremonies," Mr Miles said.
"I saw that movie and it was really good portrayal of what happened. While I wasn't in Vietnam at that time, I know people who were and it was quite emotional for them.
"Watching these scenes make you stop and think again and realise what happened over there."
The Warrnambool RSL sub-branch continues to support returned serviceman from past and present wars.
"Vietnam veterans weren't recognised very much for a long time," Mr Miles said.
"What we've done with our renovations and our service support is to make sure serviceman today are looked after better than what we were.
"I always say; everyone who served went and did their job and they did it well."
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