The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, today encouraged all Australians to take a moment on Vietnam Veterans' Day to remember the 59 000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War and the 520 who died.

"Vietnam Veterans' Day on 18 August is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in Vietnam and to reaffirm our commitment to the freedom and peace they fought for," Mrs Kelly said.

"Our military involvement in Vietnam lasted more than 10 years, making it the longest in Australia's wartime history. However, for many Vietnam veterans and their families, the aftermath has been longer lasting and often difficult.

"Vietnam Veterans' Day is an opportunity for us, as a nation, to show our support for those who served and to thank them for their service to Australia," she said.

Mrs Kelly said 18 August also marked the 39th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, probably the best-known battle fought by Australians in Vietnam.

"On 18 August 1966, some 108 Australian infantrymen of D Company, 6^th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, encountered an enemy force of more than 2500 in a rubber plantation north of the village of Long Tan in Vietnam.

"Although clearly outnumbered, the Australians held firm against the enemy force through a remarkable display of courage and determination until a relief force arrived."

Mrs Kelly said the Australian Government named its Long Tan Bursary scheme in honour of the Australians who served and the 18 men who died in the Battle of Long Tan.

"The Long Tan Bursary scheme recognises the need to assist Australia's Vietnam veterans' children to make the sometimes difficult transition to post-secondary education," she said.

"Applications for the bursary open on Vietnam Veterans Day, with 30 bursaries of $6000 each available to help eligible students with the cost of their tertiary education.

"I encourage the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans who are planning to enrol in their first full-time year of tertiary education, and who need financial help, to apply."