A commemorative quilt sewn by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victoria Branch will visit Werribee in 2016.

Tim Pallas MP announced local residents and students would get a rare opportunity to learn for themselves about the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans when the travelling roadshow stops in Werribee.

2016 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 brave young men from D Company 6 RAR resisted an attack of more than 1500 Viet Cong soldiers in what became one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia’s military history.

The quilt features a patch crafted by each of the 28 VVAA Victorian Branch sub branches. It’s a striking illustration of Victoria’s contribution to the Vietnam War, but also a snapshot of the VVAA Victoria Branch as it exists today.

It will travel on a Victorian tour, teaching communities and students about the war that shaped Australia’s military history. More than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women fought in Vietnam, and 521 were killed.

The quilt will be displayed at the Vietnamese TET Festival at the Melbourne Showgrounds and at events around Melbourne, before a regional circuit that gives Victorians all over the state a chance to discover their own connections with the Vietnam War.

Many Victorians have a connection with war and a story to tell. The 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan is a chance for Victoria to remember and reflect on the impacts of the Vietnam War, and commemorate those that bravely served there.

For more information on Victorian commemorations for the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan please visit: www.vic.gov.au/victoriaremembers/vietnam

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“The students of Werribee are our future, so it’s great to be giving them the opportunity to learn more about Australia’s contribution to the Vietnam War.”

“The 50^th Anniversary Commemorative Quilt is a striking illustration that pays tribute to our nation’s great Vietnam War history.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans, John Eren

“As we reflect on the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, it’s important we give the veterans who did us proud the fitting tribute they deserve.”