The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a powerful and lasting tribute, not only to those who served but to the spirit of our community.
The Yorke Peninsula community has commemorated 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with the launch of its new Vietnam War Memorial Walk.
Officially opened at a community event attended by General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), the new walk has been incorporated into the region’s popular Walk The Yorke tourist walking trail.
The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a thoughtfully crafted 3.7-kilometre bespoke stretch of the trail between the townships of Coobowie and Edithburgh that pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam War veterans.
Along the route, trail walkers can interact with 29 laser-cut signs containing information about every Australian unit that served in the Vietnam War. Visitors who start at the Coobowie end are greeted by a three-metre-high archway that welcomes them to the trail.
Another entry point is at the honour roll boards – located off the St Vincent Highway approximately 500 metres from the Coobowie archway – which list the Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The space has its own vehicle-access path and is earmarked for a defined carpark in the future.
The concept for the Memorial Walk was developed by Roger Hogben, a local resident who served in Vietnam as a member of the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Mr Hogben identified the path linking Edithburgh to Coobowie as the ideal location due to its scenic views and townships with businesses and services at both ends.
Mr Hogben said the Memorial Walk was important to recognise the often-misunderstood efforts of Australians in the Vietnam War and that Yorke Peninsula was a fitting location due to its strong veteran population – more than 5% of the state’s veteran population reside on the Yorke Peninsula and in the Mid North.
“The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is about paying tribute to all who served in Vietnam, it has been built to stand the test of time and will be an educational tool for future generations,” Mr Hogben said.
According to the Australian War Memorial, more than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam following the arrival of the first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962; 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded.
Approximately 800 people attended the official launch at Edithburgh Golf Course on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Monday 18 August including veterans, Sir Peter Cosgrove, Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson PSM, and Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia National President Max Ball.
A highlight of the launch was a visit from a genuine Vietnam-era Huey helicopter that flew in from New South Wales and landed on the golf course.
“The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a powerful and lasting tribute, not only to those who served but to the spirit of our community,” Yorke Peninsula Council Acting Mayor Richard Carruthers said.
“It gives locals and visitors alike a chance to pause, reflect and honour the sacrifices made.
“As well as honouring our veterans, the Walk adds to Yorke Peninsula’s attractions and will draw visitors to our region.
“It combines history, culture and natural beauty in a way that is truly unique, and we hope it becomes a destination where many people can learn, reflect and pay their respects.”
The official opening event, including a concert by John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, was supported by $15,710 in grant funding from Veterans SA which included $10,000 from the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
Learn more about the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Walk.
