Riverland Vietnam Veterans & Post World War Two Veterans Memorial – Berri

Riverland Vietnam Veterans & Post World War Two Veterans Memorial – Berri

Located on Riverview Drive in Berri, directly opposite the Visitor Information Centre, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans & Post World War Two Veterans Memorial honours the men and women who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations since the end of World War Two.

A Striking Design

The memorial features two sweeping curved brick walls, topped with five upright sheets of etched glass, each standing approximately 1.8 metres high and 0.09 metres thick. These panels depict striking imagery from a range of post-WWII conflicts, including Korea, the Malayan Emergency, Vietnam, Cambodia, Namibia, the Gulf Wars, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Plaques mounted on plinths within the memorial provide further detail and dedication.

The Rare Helicopter Image

One of the most significant features of the memorial is the etched image of a helicopter. This is a rare design element in Australian war memorials, with the only other known example being at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra. The helicopter symbolises the critical role of aerial operations—such as troop transport, supply delivery, and medical evacuation—particularly during the Vietnam War. Its inclusion links the Riverland’s remembrance efforts with the broader national narrative of Australia’s military history.

Dedication & Purpose

The memorial was officially dedicated on 30 October 2009 by Brigadier Richard Burr DSC, MVO, with Reverend Canon P. James Stacey ARSH ThA conducting the dedication ceremony. It serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education, providing both locals and visitors the opportunity to honour those who served and to better understand the sacrifices made in conflicts and peacekeeping missions over the past seven decades.

Visiting the Memorial

Its riverside location and open, accessible design make the memorial a focal point for commemorative events such as ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day. The site offers a tranquil setting for reflection, while its etched glass panels provide a visually powerful connection to the stories of service they represent.

References:

1. Monument Australia – Riverland Vietnam Veterans & Post World War Two Veterans Memorial – monumentaustralia.org.au

2. Flickr – Riverland Vietnam Veterans & Post World War Two Veterans Memorial Photos – flickr.com

3. TripAdvisor – Riverland Vietnam War Veterans & Post World War Two Memorial – tripadvisor.com.au

4. Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia – Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial – vvaa.org.au