Memorial to mark past conflict

LAST weekend’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day marked the unveiling of a significant memorial for the region.

About eight months of work between the Lal Lal Catchment Landcare Group, and the Vietnam Veterans Association Ballarat Sub-Branch was revealed to the public during the nationally-recognised day, held on Sunday.

The Landcare group’s newest addition to the Lal Lal Anzac Memorial Park is a garden and plaque devoted to Vietnam veterans.

Lal Lal Catchment Landcare Group president Sue Witherspoon said it was essential to have input from those who experienced the conflict firsthand.

“Since being involved with this project we’ve been involved with the Ballarat Vietnam Veterans Association and we’re overwhelmed with how honoured they are that we’d thought of them,” she said.

“They’ve been our guidance in terms of what needs to be on the plaque and how best to present it, and the proceedings on the day.

“My husband and I are both ex-military ourselves who never saw an active day but were honoured enough to work with many Vietnam veterans who were not treated well.”

The memorial garden and plaque project was in response to last year marking five decades since the Vietnam War’s end, and was developed with $4000 in grant funding through the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service program.

The unveiling saw speeches from Vietnam Veterans Association Ballarat Sub-Branch president Sandy McCann, and Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.

Lal Lal Primary School captain Andrea Wasden recited the poem The 500 Not Returned penned by Vietnam veteran Len Curd.

A wreath laying ceremony and flag raising also took place.

Vietnam Veterans Association Ballarat Sub-Branch secretary Gordon Hunt said it’s important to keep the memory of the historic conflict alive.

“There’s not enough of us who get around and promote Vietnam veterans,” he said.

“[The war’s] not something taught in schools and kids these days are totally ignorant of it, which they shouldn’t be. They’ll go to support Anzac Day but forget there’s all these engagements after.

“This should be part of our history. To have this recognition and to have a memorial dedicated to this for the first time in 18 years is incredible.”