A few have not forgotten

There are around 1,500 memorials to honour those who served in the Great War spread across Australia – the vast majority in small towns. There were once many more.

Where some communities erected a bronze or stone cenotaph, obelisk, or statue, others chose to build town halls, install stained glass windows, or create parks or gardens. Most were created before 1930. Many of the latter memorials have long vanished or have been run down and their intent lost to the ages.

Last year in the small Murry River embankment settlement of Bowhill, South Australia, locals unveiled their refurbished and enhanced memorial park.  A new polished granite stone with the names of those who served in both WW1 and WW2; an inscribed plaque; and stunning silhouetted digger cutouts standing at the base of the refurbished flagpole. It is a place of calm and respect.

What was remarkable about the unveiling was that the more than $20,000 needed for the enhancement was raised predominately within the community – a community of between 60 and 140 people (depending on who you talk to!). The Australian Government kicked in a little over $6,000 since 2011 but for the most this project was about people remembering their people.

Our team was proud to donate a Light Horse figurine for a big fundraising dinner auction last year and even prouder to hear last month that the success of the event not only raised more than $18,000, it was also nominated for and won this year’s Community Event of the Year Award.

Congratulations to all involved in this amazing project. Visitors to the Murray area can and should visit the memorial on Weber Road.