Vietnam veteran walks to ‘Honour Our Fallen’ Highlight Section Myall Coast Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 30, 2023 The map of Rick’s Honour Our Fallen walks through our region. AUSTRALIA’S Vietnam War Veterans received a poor welcome home 50 years ago when they returned from conflict, waiting decades for the recognition they deserved for their sacrifice and service. During August and September, Vietnam veteran Mr Rick McCarthy OAM will be undertaking a 1,000 km walk from Brisbane to Bowral in support of a charity called Honour Our Fallen (HOF). Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The aim of the charity is to mark the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam, and to raise awareness of the service of veterans by encouraging local communities and schools to become involved in putting national flags on the graves of known veterans on ANZAC Days and/or Remembrance Days each year. Rick was inspired to undertake the walk after visiting the United States where he saw first hand how honoured veterans are there. Rick’s walk is to raise awareness of Honour Our Fallen by passing through towns on the route and briefing locals on the charity’s purpose. On the walk, Rick will visit war memorials, supported by a team of three people and two vehicles (a small motorhome and a ute). Rick is due to pass through the Coolongolook Ampol Service Station to Buladelah on September 10, and on 11 September he will pass through Buladelah to Station Creek Rest Area. He will then travel on to Raymond Terrace, first arriving on 12 September at the Station Creek Rest Area. Vic Jones of the Raymond Terrace sub-Branch told News Of The Area, “Rick is planning on passing through Raymond Terrace on Tuesday 12 September/Wednesday 13 September and has sought the Raymond Terrace RSL’s support for some aspects of his venture. “He plans on arriving at the town’s war memorial around 14:30 – 15:00 pm on Tuesday 12 September; where he will deliver a short presentation to any assembled crowd. “He will remain in Raymond Terrace overnight, including having dinner locally with some RSL sub-Branch members, and he will be departing the town on Wednesday morning.” Vic, RSL sub-Branch members, school students and staff will assemble in ANZAC Park to welcome Rick to the town and hear his presentation. From Raymond Terrace Rick will continue on to Mayfield before eventually arriving in Bowral. By Marian SAMPSON Rick is travelling from memorial to memorial, raising awareness of Honour Our Fallen. Rick will walk 1,000 kilometres on his journey. Rick will arrive in the Hunter on September 10.
