Joanna Tucker, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Hundreds gathered in Edithburgh on Vietnam Veterans’ Day to honour the bravery of Australians who served throughout the Vietnam War and to officially open the Vietnam War Memorial Walk.

The opening drew more than 700 people, making it one of the bigger events in southern Yorke Peninsula’s history.

Organised by local Vietnam veteran Roger Hogben and community volunteer John Edwards, the event featured speeches from General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia; Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson PSM; and Senator Marielle Smith.

Mr Hogben said the walk was inspired by the way returned troops were dismissed after the Vietnam War.

“They were very angry — that’s gone, it is dissipated and now we need to tell our stories as they were,” Mr Hogben said.

“I was told by an RSL member on Anzac Day that I shouldn’t be there because I was not involved with the proper war — (that sentiment has) changed dramatically.”

Mr Hogben’s fellow project leader, Mr Edwards, said the lead-up to the official opening had been a great journey.

“The support we have received from all over Australia has been enormous,” Mr Edwards said.

General Sir Peter Cosgrove reflected on Australia’s veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam, and thanked Mr Hogben and Mr Edwards for their efforts.

“As you walk along the war memorial walk … the fact that you are able to walk and absorb the message on the storyboards is entirely through hard work and generosity from many of the sponsors,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“There’s so many men and women involved in this tremendous project.”

Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson PSM said the memorial walk would allow people to understand all that was involved in Australia’s wars.

“They served on distant shores and they did a remarkably difficult job in our name, in our uniform, under our flag and we should forever be proud of that,” Mr Anderson said.

“What you’ve built, this memorial walk, will, for the next 100 years, ensure that your service, your sacrifice, is not forgotten by a very grateful nation.”

Senator Marielle Smith represented Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh and said the walking trail commemorated all Australian units who served in the Vietnam conflict.

“It will stand as a worthy place of remembrance for those who fought and lost their lives and gave their service to our country,” Senator Smith said.

“For these men and women who went to war in Australia’s name, but who we know weren’t honoured as they deserved to be back then — we should have done better as a country.

“This memorial walk will be a beautiful testament to their service and the honouring of their service on behalf of our country.”

Senator Smith said the Vietnam War Memorial Walk was the first of its kind in Australia.

“It is a true testament to what our communities can do with a shared sense of purpose and a dedication to honouring those who made the greatest sacrifices for our country,” she said.

Approximately 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 19 August 2025.