Sydney Airport Message Board - Canberra (Thursday 18/08/2016) Long Tan 50th

Aircraft Flyover and Artillery Salute to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – Canberra

What: A National Commemorative Service will be held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra at 10.00am on 18 August. The Service will include:
• a flyover of aircraft from the Vietnam era, including a C-130J, a HARS Caribou, DC3, UH-1 Iroquois, Sioux, Cessna 0-2, Cessna Bird Dog and a USAF B-52 bomber. The C-130-J flypast at 10 00 am will signal the commencement of the service.
• the firing of a Salute of four artillery guns during the service will symbolise the major role artillery played in the successful outcome of the battle. The guns will be manned by members from 103 and 105 Australia Batteries, 161 New Zealand Battery and a United States Army gun crew.
Where: The aircraft will pass from Parliament House along Anzac Parade and over the Australian War Memorial. The guns will be fired from Rond Terrace on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin.

When: Between 10.00am – 11.00am, Thursday 18 August 2016.
The 18th of August is recognised nationally as Vietnam Veterans’ Day. This year, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of Australia’s most significant engagements during the Vietnam War.
On this important anniversary, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will join with the Australian community to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served Australia during the Vietnam War.
The ADF will participate in various commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, including a National Commemorative Service to be held at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade.
The National Commemorative Service is being organised by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, ACT & District Branch, with assistance from the Vietnam Veterans Stakeholder Committee and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Throughout the Service, there will be a series of aircraft from the Vietnam era flying over Canberra, including a C-130-J, a HARS Caribou, DC3, UH-1 Iroquois, Sioux, Cessna 0-2, Cessna Bird Dog and a USAF B-52 bomber. For most Australians it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this collection of aircraft flying in one location. The fixed-wing aircraft will fly at heights no lower than 1 000 feet above terrain and the helicopters will operate no lower than 500 feet above terrain, and no faster than 150 knots.

The Australian Defence Force appreciates the support it receives from the Canberra community during this activity. Flypasts and the firing of guns are conducted within strict limitations, with consideration to safety, noise reduction and the environment.

HARS

Tomorrow, Thursday 18 Aug there is a major service in Canberra at 1100 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Long Tan battle, as the now recognised significant event during the Vietnam war..
HARS is sending 2 Caribous and 1 Dakota to flyover the service.

The USA is sending a B52 Bomber from Guam, and the RAAF is also contributing aircraft.

HARS aircraft will start Engines at Albion Park airfield at 0930 and depart about 0945 onwards.