Vietnam veterans will continue the tradition next Monday of rallying together on August 18 each year to remember all those who served and those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

This day was chosen as it represents the biggest battle of the Vietnam war, the Battle of Long Tan, when so few were so brave against overwhelming odds and achieved victory.

As is the case in all wars, many battles are fought, some are won and some are lost, all at a terrible cost of lives.

On another occasion in Vietnam, a huge battle took place between May 12 and June 6, 1968, when 5000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops attacked fire support bases Coral and Balmoral in Bien Hoa Province, some 50 kilometres from base camp at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province.

They began by attacking FSB Coral on May 12, then started their raid on FSB Balmoral on May 26. Sadly, these battles cost 21 Diggers their lives, with another 53 wounded.

Among them was Mortar Platoon of 1RAR, whom from a contingent of 18 men, had five killed and eight wounded. Even though the enemy had captured one of their mortars, they never gave in.

``It is the memories of men like this that makes veterans proud of their service and the mates they served with,'' Stawell RSL president Geoff Reading said.

Mr Reading said there would not be a service in Stawell this year, as Ararat was planning a big service next Monday. Vietnam veterans from Stawell will be attending the Ararat service.