Meet Graeme Tooth: one of the people behind Bowral's Vietnam War Memorial

He was phoned by the late Effie Kerr OAM, who was a driving force for the establishment of the monument and Cherry Tree Walk becoming a reality in Bowral.

The Vietnam veteran made note of the call, and also kept the letter Effie sent him in 1996 asking if he wanted to plant a tree along the walk, which marked the commencement of the project.

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Not only that, he has kept copies of pamphlets and programs from ceremonies and events at the site, architectural drawings, newspaper clippings and taken photographs over the years, which he has collated for a new book.

Titled Vietnam War Memorial Cherry Tree Walk, it documents the monument and walk's humble beginnings and all of those who have played a role.

"I felt it was time the story was told," he said.

The Bundanoon resident, who had a background in construction and civil engineering saw it as another project - but reflecting with hindsight, knows that is not the case.

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"I thought it was just another job, but when it was finished, it was not another job - it was something special," he said.

He decided to get to get in contact with other veterans at the time to see if they would help, with nine including himself, being at the helm.

Resources, materials and labour were donated for the monument and it was unveiled in 1999.

More than 500 trees have been planted over the years along the iconic walk, with each marking one Australian lost in the war.

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They were donated by veterans, their families and friends, along with people across Australia and the United States, a Southern Highland News paper clipping in the book said.

"It means the blokes killed in Vietnam were not forgotten," he said.

His curiosity and passion for history has meant this is not Graeme's first book - he has also detailed the history of his family in his town, a coal mine and early subdivisions in Bundanoon.

You can purchase the book from the Bundanoon Newsagency, Berrima District Museum, Berrima District Historical and Family History Society or Booktown in Sutton Forest.

They can also be directly purchased from Graeme by calling 4883 6211.

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