Vietnam War Memorial Cherry Tree Walk Print Page

The series of upright panels with inscription and veteran names, together with a symbolic "Cherry tree walk" following the course of the 5 kilometre long Mittagong Rivulet Reserve, commemorate those who died in service or were killed in action during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973.

The memorial was originally dedicated in 1999 and additional plaques were unveiled in 2004. 

Construction of the monument started in 1995 with the aim to create a large, environmental memorial that expressed the nation’s respect for Vietnam veterans and honoured their service.  The 526 cherry trees are each dedicated to a serviceman who died in the conflict.  It also honours the commitment of those who served Australia in the battle of the Long Hai Hills and the provinces of South Vietnam.

Australia's military involvement in the Vietnam War began with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962.  Australia's participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.

However, the end-date of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War has officially been amended to 29 April 1975 to reflect Australia’s further involvement in the war during the fall of Saigon in 1975.  The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra now recognise this new date.

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Dedication