Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial
From 1962 to 1973, 50 000 Australians served in South Vietnam as part of a composite force, predominantly of American troops. The Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial is dedicated to all those Australians who served, suffered and died in that conflict.
The memorial was designed by the architectural firm, Tonkin Zulaikha Harford, in association with sculptor Ken Unsworth AM. It was built largely through contributions from the Australian people - raised by the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial Committee.
Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial
Three concrete stelae, rising from a shallow moat, form the dramatic centre of the memorial and enclose a space for quiet contemplation. Fixed to the inner right-hand wall are 33 inscriptions, a series of quotations intended to recall events of political, military and emotional importance. The photograph etched into the rear wall shows Australian soldiers waiting to be airlifted to Nui Dat after the completion of Operation Ulmarrah. A suspended granite ring contains a scroll bearing the names of those Australians who died in conflict. Surrounding the memorial are six seats dedicated to the memory of the six Vietnam servicemen missing in action.