Introduction

The Commemorative Walk is not to memorialise those who served in Vietnam and/or those who paid the ultimate price, but to commemorate the service of all who played their part in what turned out to be a tumultuous part of Australia’s history. It will, in the interpretive centre give an accurate history of the times prior to military commitment, the period of our involvement and the aftermath.
The Walk will be a meandering red earth path set in native trees and grasses that resemble rubber trees and rice paddies. These two plants are synonymous with Vietnam.
Along the length of this Walk will be walls with the name and serial number of every Serviceman and Servicewoman, and civilians who served in their various capacities.
There will be areas of contemplation for people to use along the length of this walk.

Germ of an idea

Some 4 years ago the Mayor of Mitchell Shire, not what you would call a military buff, but sympathetic to the local military involvement, was looking for an attraction to lure people into the Shire. A chance conversation with Vietnam Veterans led to a meeting where the seed was planted. The seed grew as seeds do, and the final concept plans are what you see on this website.
This walk will tie all the military sites in the area and the base at Puckapunyal together to form a lasting and highly visible addition to Australia’s living military history.

Where is Seymour

Seymour is a town of approximately 6000 people about an hours drive north of Melbourne Victoria, and is well serviced by road and rail, again just over an hour from Southern Cross Station.  It has been the centre for the pastoral industry north of the Great Dividing Range since its founding in 1839. The town also has a proud military history dating back to the Boer War when troops were trained in the surrounding hills prior to embarkation. January 2010 is being celebrated as the 100th anniversary of Lord Kitcheners visit to the area where he approved of the proposed plans for a more extensive training facility to be built here. Light Horse Park, 3 Km east, was the centre of training for the Light Horse Regiments during the First World War. There are literally scores of plaques in the surrounds of Seymour highlighting various units’ bases for the Second World War. Army personnel old and young are well aware of Puckapunyal, 12 Km west of town, even if they have never been posted there, still used to this day as a major training facility.

You can find out more about Seymour at www.seymour-victoria.com.au

The Concept

We started this project with things we did not want.

1. Another Memorial

2. Statues

3. Wall plaques

4. Something that would fade into history

That is not to denigrate the fine Memorials, statues etc of other areas at all. It is just that it has all been done, and done well.
We needed something unique to Vietnam.
What symbolises Vietnam? Rubber trees, Rice paddies and Hueys. It is a bit hard to recreate the humidity and the rain you can set your watch by, but the others we can do.
The Shire Council provided the expanse of land, approximately 350 metres long and 35 metres wide. Now there is something we can use.

A full presentation relating to the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk can be seen by following this link (Powerpoint Reader Required) Presentation (9.5mb)

Stage 2, Fundraising

On the 7th August 2009 we launched the fundraising part of all this. We have the blessing? of the State and Federal Governments, the local Council, and both the RSL and the Vietnam Veterans Association's, State and Federal bodies.
Keep an eye out for information on how you can be part of this magnificent project.

Sponsorship: Full details available here