But since the murky end of the Vietnam War, perhaps the most controversial and dividing conflict in Western military history, those who served have slowly been afforded the respect granted to other returned ­servicemen and women.

For local Vietnam veteran and member of the Maitland Vietnam Veteran’s Legion, Peter Margetts, the ceremony held at Maitland Park to recognise Vietnam Veterans’ Day, one of many held nationwide on Tuesday, was important. 

“Most of the other wars have their own particular day outside of Anzac Day, but ours was a very unpopular war at the time,” Mr Margetts said.

“It took them 20 years to recognise us with a parade, but now we march down the highway every Anzac Day.

“To see the kids and the people show their support means a whole lot to us.”

About 80 people, including 30 ­veterans, mayor Peter Blackmore and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison turned out to show their respect, lay wreaths at the cenotaph and sing the national anthem as the sun set.

Mr Margetts, who served as part of the Fourth Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment at the coastal base of Nui Dat in 1969, didn’t know any of the other veterans while he served, but said they shared a close bond in civillian life.

“It’s more like a brotherhood, the associations you form in the service are like no other – we’re more than mates because our lives depended on each other,” he said.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day, formerly named Long Tan Day to mark one Australia’s defining battles in the ­conflict, was organised locally by the Maitland Vietnam Veteran’s Legion, of which Mr Margetts is a member.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month at 4pm at Maitland Park Bowling Club.

“It’s more of a social thing with a fishing group that goes away five times a year, a golf group which meets regularly and a caravan group that travels together,” Mr Margetts said.

Those interested should contact the Maitland RSL sub-branch on 4933 6900 and ask for a referral to the Legion.