By Tate Papworth
The recently erected Vietnam War Memorial at Kevin Wheelahan Gardens in Sunshine has been vandalised.
Vietnamese Cultural and Heritage Centre chair Phong Nguyen said the senseless act had left the community gutted.
“We are absolutely gutted, on the eve of the Vietnam Veterans Day, that someone could commit this disgraceful act to our fallen Diggers.
“It is the Vietnamese custom that once a person dies, their resting or memorial places must be respected, including those of your enemies. I am disgusted by this despicable behaviour”.
Several commemorative tiles were smashed in the attack and some damage was incurred to the granite memorial.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice labelled the act “disrespectful.”
“This memorial pays tribute to the 521 Australians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War – recognising and paying respect to their memory and to the sacrifices that they made.
“This senseless vandalism is disrespectful to their memory and to our community who rallied to support the creation of this memorial.
“This memorial is a place of remembrance and reflection – a special place where the people of Brimbank can spend time honouring loved ones, and understand the sacrifices made by our brave fallen soldiers,” Cr Giudice said.
The memorial was organised by the Vietnamese Community of Australia – Victorian Chapter and was unveiled in December 2017.
The Brimbank council said it’s working with the RSL and Vietnamese community to repair the damage.
The damage has been reported to police. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
