Seeing Bowral Vietnam War Memorial Cherry Tree Walk blossom this Spring brings great
satisfaction to the Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans who took part in planting four
new trees together with Council on September 7.
This is just the beginning of an innovative project to preserve the trees, which has taken three years to bring to fruition.
Local Veterans Ray Burnard, Ross Latta, Allan Swift, Jeff Forbes, Lee Bourgeois and Graeme Moffatt didn’t hesitate to get their hands dirty for such an important cause. “It means a great deal to us to know we’re bringing new life to such a significant site by putting new trees in place that will stand the test of time,” said Ray McCann from Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans.
Council arranged for the new cherry trees to be cultivated especially for Bowral Vietnam War Memorial Cherry Tree Walk when the existing trees began showing signs of disease.
Approximately 90 trees will ultimately be planted to restore and sustain the memorial in the longer term consistent with the design intent of the founders – the Bowral Vietnam Memorial Cherry Tree Trust. “We hope to have another 20 ready to plant next year with the remainder expected to be available the year following,” Charlene says.
The new trees will flower and leaf as the former trees always have, with only a very slight
difference in trunk colour.
A Conservation Management Plan to ensure the preservation of Cherry Tree Walk for generations to come will be developed in consultation with Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans and the wider Wingecarribee community.
