In Memorial Grove at the Land Warfare Centre in Canungra the mountain breeze blows, birds call and 1,000 sturdy trees stand tall, one for each member of the Australian Army Training Team (AATTV) who served in Vietnam.
Visitors to the Memorial Grove will soon be met by a grand entrance, clad in granite and brass lettering honouring the Australian Army Adviser after the AATTV Association received a $57,750 boost through the Saluting Their Service Major Commemorative Grants Program.
National President of the AATTV Association Colonel Kerry Gallagher said the funding would enhance the special feeling of the Memorial Grove.
“The AATTV didn’t serve in Australia, the training team was formed in Vietnam and served in Vietnam but all members completed the Tropical Warfare Advisers Course at Canungra and it is the one common element for the group,” Col Gallagher said.
“Memorial Grove is a special place for members of the Training Team, it has a certain serenity where members can visit, reflect and remember the 33 members killed in action beneath their individual trees.”
“It’s a place of peace and calm. There is a spirit here, the spirit of remembrance, of pride and of friendship.”
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz visited the Memorial Gove to congratulate the AATTV Association on their grant success and thanked the members for their service.
“The AATTV Association makes such a difference in the lives of its members and their families – providing a place to recognise the efforts of those who served in Vietnam,” Mr Buchholz said.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that supports the initiatives of community-minded groups like the AATTV Association through this grant.”
“I thank them for their continued commitment and service to their members and our community.”
If members of the community would like to visit the Memorial Grove at the Land Warfare Centre in Canungra, please contact AATTV Association National President Col Kerry Gallagher on 0418 720 395 or Secretary Peter Conway on 0412 544 393.
