"It was the first time Diggers were attacked for being at war and it was the first time soldiers were conscripted to fight in a foreign war," he said.

It means Vietnam veterans hold "a very special place in our history".

Mr Thorne was speaking to the gathered veterans and community members commemorating the sacrifice and service of soldiers in the Battle of Long Tan and the Vietnam War.

"Each war is remembered by a particular battle and our war is the Battle of Long Tan."

Mr Thorne said it was this battle which showed Australian soldiers kept the standards established by the Anzacs in the First World War and upheld in the Second World War and Korea.

"In the face of a hostile opponent and a hostile public, we kept alive the Anzac tradition," he said.

"Maybe that's why our memorial stands alone, but remains a part of the other memorials."