Australian Vietnamese War Memorial

The Australian Vietnamese War Memorial is located at the College Road entrance to Roma Street Parkland, at the top of the park. The memorial commemorates and honours Australian defence service personnel who served in Vietnam, and is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It was unveiled on the 16th September, 2005.

The memorial features two life size bronze statues dedicated to the armed forces of Australia and The Republic of Vietnam. On the left is an Australian Infantryman and on the right a South Vietnamese soldier. The memorial consists of a 1.2 metre high base which has the map of Vietnam on the front panel with the Australian and Republic of Vietnam flags on either side. The side panels have the tri-service logos of both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) with words of dedication underneath them.

I feel similarly about this memorial as I do about the Vietnam Memorial in ANZAC Square. I'm saddened that we had to send our troops to Vietnam, largely due to the large loss of life and the ultimate futility of War. I'm glad that we have come to recognise the work and sacrifice of Australian Vietnam Veterans, and also glad that this particular memorial also reflects the Vietnamese community and recognises the South Vietnamese impact.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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