On the Southern Downs and Tenterfield, Vietnam Veterans' Day was remembered in parks, schools, community centres, homes and hearts.
In Stanthorpe, Norm Steele gave the address to those gathered at the War Memorial in Weeroona Park.
"On the 52nd anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, I would like to welcome you all to this Vietnam Veterans' Day Memorial Service," he began. "Some 60,000 Australians served during the ten years of our involvement in Vietnam and of these, 15,000 National Servicemen (Nashos) served."
Mr Steele said that "major conflicts" are to be remembered like that of Long Tan (1966) and FSB’s Coral and Balmoral (1968).
"However, we sometimes overlook many operations such as Operation Goodwood (4 RAR), Operation Iron Triangle (1 RAR), Operation Forrest (2 RAR) and Operation Hammersley (8 RAR)," Mr Steele said, "...along with many others, performed by all members of the Australian Defence Forces who served in Vietnam," such as those in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
"These may have been pushed to the side a little bit ... (but) they were still a large part of everyday life for Australian Defence Forces."
"Today we come together to remember all those 521 Australians who perished and the more than 3,129 who were wounded, injured, or became ill in the conflict we call Vietnam. "We also acknowledge all members of the Australian Defence Forces who have been involved in all conflicts."
Southern Downs Regional Mayor, Melissa Hamilton, who was at the Warwick commemoration, spoke of the importance to "pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience ... of our nation’s longest military engagements".
"The anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan reminds us of the bravery shown in combat and of the strength our veterans carried home with them - often in silence, often without the recognition they deserved," she said.
"Today’s ceremonies are as much a commemoration as (they are) a promise - a promise that the Southern Downs community will never forget the service of those who fought, those who fell and those who still carry the physical and emotional toil of war."
Mayor Hamilton also acknowledged "the families who stood beside them and the legacy they continue to uphold".
