Long Tan Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 and is a time to remember the sacrifices of those who died and the efforts of Australians who served during the 10 years of the nation's involvement in the Vietnam War.

The Battle of Long Tan was one of the largest battles fought by Australians in the Vietnam War led by Delta (D) Company, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).

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D Company suffered 42 casualties, including 18 dead - more than one-third of its strength - and some 245 enemy troops were killed.

According to the Australian government's Anzac Portal, D Company's 105 men and 3 New Zealanders from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, fought for almost 4 hours against soldiers of the North Vietnamese Army, who outnumbered them by 10 to 1.

Veteran from the RAAF's 2 Bomber Squadron who fought in Phan Rang, Dennis Leembruggen, says Long Tan Day is a moment to reflect.

Mr Leembruggen said he not only lost several comrades on the warfront, August 18 also marks the anniversary of his beloved wife Maxine's passing. The couple had been married for 57 years.

The father of two and grandfather of five was 32 years old when he served in Vietnam as an operations intelligence officer.

"I lost a lot of mates in Vietnam, and on this day I lost my best mate," Mr Leembruggen said.

He laid a bunch of flowers in their honour at Port Macquarie's cenotaph.

He has now retired to Port Macquarie with partner Marie.

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