That day was more than 37 years ago and the group is still "going strong", Mr Wise said.

"It was a good night; we kicked on until the early hours. There was more than 30 of us for the first meeting at the Launceston Workers' Club," he said.

"We didn't know each other, but we were meeting friends for the first time."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Rotary Club of Launceston has organised an event in recognition of the service of Northern Tasmanian Vietnam veterans on Wednesday night.

Mr Wise is the guest speaker, sharing the history of the sub branch and its work providing support and mateship for veterans and their families.

Dinner organiser Graeme Williams said 23 veterans and four civilians "instrumental in assisting the sub branch and members personally with their challenges" would be honoured on the night.

"Rotary will pay homage to the veterans who served in Vietnam, and their service to Australia," Mr Williams said.

Timed to coincide with Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day, with a service to be held at the Launceston Cenotaph on Sunday, the dinner also acknowledges the Battle of Long Tan anniversary.

"It's lovely to be recognised after 50 years in the wilderness. We're all old men now," Mr Wise said.

The dinner event will be held at Hotel Grand Chancellor from 6pm on Wednesday, August 14, with veterans asked to wear their medals.

This is one of several events Rotary has planned with Tasmanian RSLs in the coming year.

"There are no units from WWI or WWII now, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day is coming up, so this is recognition of the two coming together," Mr Wise said.

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