We will remember the life of Reg Chard, a true patriot.

Public Memorial Service for Reg Chard OAM

Thursday 3 September 2026 @ Walkway (10.30am start) 

With a sense of enormous loss we will pay tribute to Reginald James Chard NX134343 (31 October 1923 – 24 July 2026), one of the central characters at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, who died peacefully on 24 July, aged 102.

We invite State and Local Government representatives, the ex-service community, community groups, schools and individuals who wish to commemorate and celebrate the life of Reg to a public memorial service to be held at the Walkway on Thursday 3 September 2026, commencing at 10.30am.

We will always remember him as a man who overcame his grief at losing his lifelong partner Betty by devoting his energies to ensuring his generation’s courage and sacrifice in WWII would be honoured always by the generations of Australians to follow.

He was selfless in educating and speaking to as many as possible about his beloved 55/53 Battalion, and in remembering the service and sacrifice of his mates, especially those who did not return after the war.

Well done Reg – a life of service comes to an end but your legacy is all around us at the Walkway.

Help us commemorate Reg’s extraordinary life at this memorial service. For catering purposes, please email admin@kokodawalkway.com.au with your details by Friday 28 August.

Lest we forget.