General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) will visit Yorke Peninsula to officially open the Vietnam War Memorial Walk this August.

Sir Peter, accompanied by his wife Lynne, will speak at the official opening ceremony to be held in Edithburgh at 11am on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Monday 18 August.

The former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Chief of the Australian Defence Force is a strong supporter of the Vietnam War Memorial Walk, which is being established along the Walk The Yorke track between Edithburgh and Coobowie.

“I was pleased to receive the invitation to officially open the Vietnam War Memorial Walk and look forward to the event,” Sir Peter said.

“This Vietnam Veterans’ Day we commemorate 50 years since the conclusion of the Vietnam War and I congratulate everyone involved in the Memorial Walk project which marks the occasion and pays tribute to all who served in the conflict.”

The project is being led by local residents Roger Hogben and John Edwards, who said they were thrilled to welcome Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove to Yorke Peninsula for the official opening.

“It has been a dream of ours to have Sir Peter officially open the Memorial Walk, which will be the first memorial detailing every Australian unit that served in Vietnam making it a project of true national significance,” Mr Hogben said.

“Sir Peter served in Vietnam as part of a long and highly distinguished military career, and remains a tremendous supporter of Veterans – there is nobody we would rather have to officially open the Vietnam War Memorial Walk.

“With the attendance of Sir Peter and many other high-profile guests from all throughout Australia, as well as a genuine Vietnam-era Huey helicopter flying in, this is shaping up to be a huge event and we welcome the wider community to all come along to the official opening and luncheon.

“Tickets are now on sale for the concert that afternoon featuring John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew (ex-Redgum, ‘I Was Only 19’), so get in quick by visiting https://boxoffice.satix.com.au/event/3191:19252/3191:55735.”

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is proudly supported by Yorke Peninsula Council and has been funded by the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service grants. The official opening is supported by two grants from Veterans SA.

Bio: General the Honourable Sir Peter

Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd)

Peter Cosgrove, along with his wife Lynne, served as the 26th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. He was Knighted at his swearing in 2014. Following his retirement in 2019 Sir Peter was further honoured as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by Her Majesty the Queen. In April 2023 Sir Peter was commissioned by His Majesty King Charles III at the recommendation of Prime Minister Albanese to serve when required as the Administrator of the Commonwealth Government of Australia.

He is widely known for his earlier career in the Australian Defence Force, serving in Malaysia and Vietnam before coming to greater public prominence as Commander of INTERFET in East Timor. He retired as Chief of the Defence Force in 2005 and went on to serve on several corporate boards before becoming Governor-General.

In retirement he is actively involved with defence, health and other charitable organisations. He is Ambassador for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2023 Commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War; Patron of the ADF Cadets and Patron of the Virtual War Memorial of Australia, among other involvements.

Married to Lynne since 1976, they have three sons and delight in their four young grandchildren.

 

Vietnam War Memorial Walk official opening

Location: Edithburgh Golf Course, corner of Giles Tce and O’Halloran Parade

Time: 10.30am for 11am start

Date: Monday, 18 August 2025 (Vietnam Veterans’ Day), marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War

Key speaker and official opening by: General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd).

Also featuring: Arrival by air of a genuine Vietnam-era Huey helicopter

And there’s more: Official opening to be followed by luncheons from noon; public luncheon at Edithburgh Sports and Community Club with opportunities for photo with the Huey helicopter on the oval

Concert event: John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew (ex Redgum, ‘I Was Only 19’) at Light Church Edithburgh from 2pm – ticket purchases essential, visit https://boxoffice.satix.com.au/event/3191:19252/3191:55735 or search for the event online.