Ray Prigg and Dennis Lowder OAM lay a wreath on behalf of the 86 Transport Platoon.
A heartfelt ceremony was held in Deniliquin on Tuesday to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day, with numbers boosted by the special attendance of members from the 86 Transport Platoon and their partners.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Specifically paying tribute to Australians who served in the conflict, the service was hosted at the Deniliquin Cenotaph by the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch.
It was led by sub-branch secretary Mick Morrissey, with the visitors and local community members gathering to observe the service and lay wreaths beneath the Vietnam War Memorial statue.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant and harrowing engagements of the war, which took place on that day in 1966 - 60 years ago.
The visiting party of more than 20 platoon members and their partners organised their trip to Deniliquin to coincide with Vietnam Veterans’ Day, sharing their time and experiences with members of the Sub-branch and other members of the community.
The group organised a one week get-together from last Friday until today, mainly staying at Park Lane Deniliquin (formerly Deniliquin Riverside Caravan Park).
One of the trip organisers, platoon member Dennis Lowder OAM, said the 86 Transport Platoon regularly held reunions every two to three years. Since 2022 reunions have become an annual occasion.
The group decided to hold this year’s reunion in Deniliquin, not requiring much extra thought after holding the 2025 reunion in Echuca.
Mr Lowder said the group had enjoyed their stay thanks to their accommodating hosts.
Outside the service, the group visited various Deniliquin landmarks during the week, including The Depot and Cruizin* Diner on Monday.
Following the service, many attendees including the platoon members and their partners enjoyed a luncheon at the Deniliquin RSL Club Bistro.
The 86 Transport Platoon was formed in 1960 as part of Logistic Support in the Royal Australian Army Service Corps.
They would assist in the transportation of anything required in a war effort, from a seaport or air base to the battlefield.
The platoon was first posted to Vietnam in 1966 with a detachment to support the Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment at Bien Hoa, near Saigon.
During the commitment from 1967 to 1972, more than 500 regular army and national servicemen served as part of the platoon.
Members of the 86 Transport Platoon in Deniliquin for the Vietnam Veterans' Day Memorial Service on Tuesday.
Partners of the 86 Transport Platoon at the Vietnam Veterans' Day Memorial Service on Tuesday.
The 86 Transport Platoon signage.
The Vietnam War memorial statue with wreaths from the Vietnam Veterans' Day service.
The crowd at the Vietnam Veterans' Day memorial Service.
