As the fog lifted, about 60 people reflected on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in Vietnam - 34 of whom were from the Hepburn Shire.

Daylesford RSL president Bill Wallace said the march and service officially recognised Vietnam Veterans Day.

A strength of 250 Australians were sent to Vietnam, 18 of whom were killed and 24 wounded.

Wreaths were laid by various community groups at the cenotaph during the service.

Hepburn Shire Council mayor Heather Mutimer said it was important people participated in the service.

"Regardless of people's political opinion of the Vietnam war, it should be recognised," she said.

"Many were very young and sadly this recognition has come a bit too late."

Vietnam veteran Ian Tinetti remembered the Australians turning an air field where supplies were delivered into a cricket oval.

"We were just boys - 19 and 20-year-olds. We used to sit our rifles on the fence and play cricket while the Battle of Long Tan was happening one kilometre away," he said.

Mr Tinetti said he had no feeling of being left out when he returned home to Daylesford.

"Family, friends and the Daylesford people were fantastic," he said. "I remember the ladies of the Red Cross and my mum sending me food."

Mr Tinetti displayed memorabilia of the war at the Daylesford RSL which included a cricket bat with a painting of the Australians playing cricket in Vietnam.