Australia Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans, 50 Years On

An Australian war veteran wears his medals, including a service medal from the Vietnam war (Far-L), at the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service in Sydney on Aug. 18, 2016. PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images

Once scorned by many of their countrymen, those who served in the Vietnam War will be honoured as Australia marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the nation’s involvement in the conflict.

Commemorative services will be held around the country on Friday, including at the Australian Forces National Memorial in Canberra.