The annual service – held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – has become an opportunity for former brothers in arms to reminisce about the good times and commiserate about the bad.

Ralph Todd, secretary of the Riverina sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Federation, encouraged veterans to attend.

“It’s a day dedicated to veterans, but a lot of them don’t join service organisations,” Mr Todd said.

“When we came home we were ostracised, but today the public appreciate us more than ever.

“It’s a lot easier to mix with a crowd of veterans and families and we’d love to see everyone come along.”