Between 1962 and 1975, 521 Australians lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

They payed the ultimate sacrifice for their country and were remembered for their bravery in a special Vietnam Veterans Day memorial service on Sunday, held by the Bathurst and District Vietnam Veterans Association (BDVVA).

The service also paid tribute to the 18 troops that were killed 50 years ago as a result of the Battle of Long Tan, and the further 24 who were wounded.

Oberon Youth Mayor and Oberon High School captain Angus Fittler was one of three special guest speakers at the service.

He spoke of the lessons he was learning in school about people only a little older than him who went off to fight in the Vietnam War.

“Students of Oberon High School know and admire the people in our community who have served our country valiantly. We recognise that across our region there are men and women who as youths gave up their time to do as their country required of them,” he said.

“We thank them for their service then and remember not only those who died, but recognise that for many the war changed their lives even after they returned home.”

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee used his speech at the service to highlight the poor treatment of the veterans when they returned home to Australia.

He said the country had a lot of things to be proud of, but that moment in history wasn’t one of them.

“I don’t think an episode, in terms of the treatment of our veterans, will happen again, but we as a nation have to acknowledge that it did happen and, while time has been a healer, there is still pain just below the surface for many veterans,” Mr Gee said.

“We as a nation should resolve, and in many ways already have resolved, to never let that happen again.”

Wreaths were laid following the formal speeches at the service, hung with respect on the wall at the entrance to the Vietnam Veterans Park.

Those in attendance were invited to join BDVVA at Bathurst RSL Club for morning tea following the service.