The destruction of 15 cherry trees along the Bowral Vietnam Memorial Walk, on the eve of the anniversary of two key battles, has angered local veterans and members of the Memorial Walk Trust.

Vietnam veteran and Bowral RSL sub-branch president John Cummins heard of the latest in a string of attacks on the walk as he was leaving for ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of the Fire Support Bases of Balmoral and Coral.

“It is most distressing as I and other members of the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment are about to gather in Canberra and Townsville to remember those young Australians who gave their lives at Coral and Balmoral in South Vietnam in May, 1968,” he said.

Goulburn MP Pru Goward called the desecration shocking and insensitive.

“This is an incredibly significant day, when survivors will remember 25 men of the 1 Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) who didn’t make it back home,” she said.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, May 14