Race to save cherry blossom avenue dedicated to Vietnam vets
Providing bursts of blooms in spring and a canopy of shade in summer, Bowral's avenue of soldier-like trees is being tested by disease.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, a community in Bowral, NSW is working to restore a unique cherry blossom avenue. This avenue, believed to be the only one of its kind in Australia, features Japanese Tai-Haku cherry trees planted to honor fallen Vietnam War veterans. The 307 trees, planted 30 years ago, now face a threat from phytophthora, a fungal disease causing root rot and tree death.
Veteran Tony Blake, who played a crucial role in the memorial's construction, recalls the quality of the memorial being "stunning" and unique in Australia. The idea for the memorial came from Effie Kerr OAM, who wanted to honor Vietnam War veterans with a connection to a part of the world they served. Despite the challenges, the community, including Wingecarribee Shire Council arborist Charlene O Connor, is working diligently to save the trees through grafting techniques, ensuring their restoration and continuation as a symbol of remembrance.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
