John Benyon Rotary Park unveils new plaque to honour Vietnam Veterans from Kenthurst and Annangrove
Kenthurst Rotary Club hosted an unveiling of a new plaque in John Benyon Rotary Park to honour the service of Kenthurst and Annangrove locals who participated in the Vietnam War (1962 – 1973).
The plaque is located alongside other plaques in the Rotary Park, honouring soldiers who fought in the two World Wars, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam, as well as those involved in UN Peacekeeping.
The plaque includes the list of Kenthurst and Annangrove locals who served in Vietnam: Major James Allan Birch and Warrant Officer Class 2 Allan Roy Johnston from the Regular Army, and Private–Army Conscript Ronald Richard Prager. 
More than 50 people, which included members of the local community, Rotary members, and family and friends of those honoured by the plaque, some of whom had travelled from Queensland, attended the event.
Federal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser MP, Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi, and other local councillors attended the unveiling ceremony.
Julian Leeser MP reflected on the importance of this unveiling ceremony.
“It was wonderful to see the Kenthurst and Annangrove communities, alongside the families of those who fought in Vietnam, come together on this important occasion.”
“It was also fitting that the ceremony was held soon after Remembrance Day, when we take time to remember all those who have fought and died in the protection of our country.”
One of the Directors of the Kenthurst Rotary Club, Paul Rapp, organized the event and emphasized its significance for the community.
“The Vietnam plaque placement on our memorial at the John Benyon Rotary Park was long overdue.”
“We must honour all soldiers who came from Kenthurst to fight for our country in all wars.”
“Malcom Johnston was the driver behind the establishment of this plaque, as his brother was one of the soldiers who went to Vietnam. Without Malcom’s drive, the contribution of our local soldiers would still be forgotten.”
