Image Credit: Howard Mitchell and the Yorke Peninsula Council
The Yorke Peninsula is set to make history with the official launch of SA’s first and only Vietnam War Memorial Walk in August, honouring all Australians who stood for our country.
To mark the occasion, there will be an official opening ceremony with the exclusive arrival of a genuine Huey helicopter from the war era alongside a performance from John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew and a host of high profile VIP guests.
Led by Yorke Peninsula resident and ex-National Service Roger Hogburn, this memorial is a passion project that’s close to the heart.
“It’s really great that we were able to make this happen. It wasn’t a council-led project, just a couple of old blokes over a cup of coffee, tossing around the idea,” he laughs.
Set up against the breathtaking 4km stretch of Yorke Track between Kabowie and Edithburgh, the memorial will include 30 custom-designed signs. Visitors can wander through an honourable and poignant history all while taking in the scenery of the southern Yorke coast.
“There’ll be an introductory board, a couple of honour roll boards… it’s not just the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but everyone right down to the reporters. It’ll be the only memorial of its kind in Australia,” explains Nick Perry, Manager of Economic Development and Business Sustainability at the Yorke Peninsula Council.
The boards are no slap-dash effort, but the result of vigorous research and a sincere commitment to historical accuracy.
“It took many, many hours to ensure the stories we had were accurate,” Roger says.
“We sent them to the Australian War Memorial to be fact-checked and Veterans have come to us, pointing out issues or things to improve…. like all big moments in history, you need the voices of those who lived through it, and we’ve had the boards available for 18 months to get feedback.”
For Roger, the idea isn’t about war or politics, but recognition. The site remains neutral and welcomes everyone to share their story and contribute.
“We’re trying to make it totally apolitical. No commentary on the stories, no debate about why the war happened, none of that. It’s not about the battles, it’s about the people,” says Roger.
“The whole thing’s designed to be an educational tool, one that can be used for the next century.”
According to him, a lot of the people who served haven’t been recognised despite their arduous efforts. Until now, that is.
“There are a lot that have not been recognised…. for example, the doctors and nurses who went with the Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation, over 400 of them served in South Vietnam’s public hospitals.”
The location provides easy access to general stores and Roger plans to sell bench seats along the track in a sponsorship effort to help fund the walk. The seats will be the all-important pit stops for Veterans or anyone needing a rest along the way.
The launch ceremony will begin at 10:30am at Edithburgh Golf Course and features the rare Huey helicopter, which is widely considered the “soundtrack of the war.” First served by the Australian Air Force in 1970, it’s one of only two still flying today.
“The official opening will be pretty special,” explains Nick.
“There’s every chance this could be the last time we see a Huey in SA, especially operating. Getting one to South Australia has been a huge effort.”
An effort that saw 3 months of negotiation and an initial firm no-go for flying into Adelaide, but all thanks to Roger’s persistence, it’ll be making an exclusive appearance.
The event is also set to host some “high-ranking VIP guests,” but Nick remains tight lipped for now.
The community lunch will be held at the Edithburgh Sports and Community Club and, later in the afternoon, John Schumann – former frontman of iconic Aussie band Redgum – will perform with the Vagabond Crew.
The concert will feature all the favourite hits paired with some fascinating history in between.
Held on the 50th anniversary of Australia’s final departure from the Vietnam conflict, the opening becomes a powerful moment of remembrance and commemoration.
As for why you should go, “There’s nothing like it anywhere in Australia,” explains Roger. Some places have beautiful memorials, but this is different – it’s about the people, not the politics. If the story’s not told, it’ll be lost.”
The Memorial Walk is funded by the Australian Government through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program and Veterans SA’s ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund and has been developed at no cost to taxpayers.
For those wanting to contribute, sponsorships of memorial benches are available through the Edithburgh Progress Association. All funds raised will go directly into maintaining and enhancing the Memorial Walk for generations to come.
WHAT: Vietnam War Memorial Walk – Official opening
WHERE: Edithburgh Golf Course, corner Giles Terrace and O’Halloran Parade
WHEN: 11am Monday 18 August (Vietnam Veterens Day)
For more info or to enquire about sponsorships, email: [email protected] with the subject line Vietnam War Memorial Walk.
