And, thanks to one of the city’s more dedicated citizens, Orange’s commemorations have already begun.

Reg Golding OAM last week placed a set of three coloured poppies at the foot of a soldier statue at the Cenotaph in Robertson Park.

The flowers are a tribute to the Battle of Beersheba, fought on October 31, 1917, renown for a charge by the Australian Light Horse which turned the tide of the war.

The poppies have individual significance, remembering lost or killed soldiers (red), animals (blue) and civilians (white).

A Letter to the Editor penned by Reg Golding OAM in 2016:

I was asked by different ex-servicemen to write something about the special day Orange recently held to remember Vietnam Veterans Day.

Fifty years ago, young Australians faced overwhelming odds in the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam, August 18, 1966. 

This was a war that a lot of people considered not to be supported. An enlisted person obeys their country’s call to arms. A soldier, airman, or sailor, or enlisted person must obey. 

They have given their oaths, and therefore it is very honourable to obey. They are trained and equipped for their duty.

Their lives and the lives of their families are just as sacred as any other service person, and they faced death and maiming in body and soul, as does every other brave and courageous fighter against those who would enslave the free world.

On Thursday, August 18 at 11am, returned Vietnam veterans stood with other serving and ex-service personnel, friends and patriotic fellow Australians, to pay homage and respect to all those brave warriors that paid the supreme sacrifice.

It is so symbolic that a cross was erected on the battle ground of Long Tan, signifying the sacrifice of life for the good of mankind. No sane person would glorify war, and certainly no Vietnam Veteran would. 

August 18 is the special day to pay homage to all those who died, and to hold their memories in the highest esteem by us all. It is the least we can do. Lest We Forget.

To all the school children from Anglican Grammar who came with their teachers and volunteers to sing so clearly the message of good will and hope. 

To everyone, man, woman and child who paid their respects and understanding to the Vietnam Veterans alive and dead, may God bless you. Thanks also to Kinross Wolaroi cadets and teachers.

It has been said by a wise man: “united we stand, divided we fall, with malice towards none, and charity to all, let us strive to finish the work, to bind up our nation’s woulds, to care for those who have born the battles, and to respect and remember those who died in doing their duty for country and freedom and their fellow man”.