Long Tan Cross Gifted to Australia 50 Years After Vietnam War

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Wednesday, December 6, that the Cross of Long Tan had been gifted permanently to Australia by the Vietnamese government and placed on display at the Australian War Memorial.The cross was erected by Australian soldiers in 1969 in memory of those who died during the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, Australia’s deadliest engagement during the Vietnam War. According to the ABC the cross was installed in secret due to its links to a sensitive event in the history of both countries.Turnbull called the act one of “generosity” by the Vietnamese government.“This cross speaks volumes in its rough simplicity, it speaks of values which are eternal and I believe … it will be here in the War Memorial forever,” he said.This video shows archival footage from the Vietnam War as well as a speech given by Turnbull at the War Memorial. Credit: Malcolm Turnbull via Storyful