WHAT better day to launch one of the biggest family history projects ever undertaken by Lithgow and District Family History Society Inc (LDFHS) than Remembrance day — a day of reflection and honour.
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What makes this day perfect for the occasion is the fact that the LDFHS used the day to launch their War Hero project.
Over 120 members and guests attended the launch that began with the introduction of Phil Cramm who played Master of Ceremony for the day along with a brief insight as to what the project is all about.
“If we don't preserve the history of our men and women in battle then it will be gone,” LDFHS spokesperson, Helen Taylor said.
“That's why this project is so important.
“We have already lost a lot of information as people have passed away and it needs to be preserved for future generations.
“Anyone who went to war is a hero in our eyes and that is why the project is called the War Hero project.
“Hopefully on this day in two years time we will be here to launch the book that will be produced from this project.”
Special guest and speaker for the day was Joe Elkusch from the Springwood RSL sub-branch who took the audience back in time to when Sydney Harbour was under attack from the Japanese midget submarine.
His recollection of the time as a child growing up in a block of units at Kirribilly during the war was vivid and enlightening.
Many in the audience were moved by the story Mr Elkusch told as most of the listeners were not directly involved with the war but had husbands, fathers, uncles, brothers or cousins — some even mothers, sisters and aunts that were and this was the first time they had heard someone talk about their experience of war time.
At the conclusion of his talk Mr Elkusch congratulated the LDFHS in taking on such a task and hoped he too would see the book published in two years.
A slide show was then played with all those who have submitted material already.
Many local faces were recognised as the audience sang along with the background music creating a scene straight out of the war eras.
All the information in the book will come from local families in the local government area and published for future reference.
That is why the LDFHS is calling on families of the region who have war stories and mementoes to get in touch with the society so it will be recorded for all to read.
This book will have those who were born or lived in the district (Lithgow Local Government Area)who served in WWI, the Boer War and WWII
Even if you just have an enlistment record all information will help with the project.
There will be two books written with material from the three wars however it is hoped the future members of family history continue with tradition and publish updated versions on those served in more current wars.
You have until June 30, 2013 to submit your information and then work on book one, A Long March from Lithgow, will commence.
You can drop into the family history rooms situated on the corner of Tank and Donald Streets or email Helen Taylor at taygun@bigpond.com
For more information contact the LDFHS on 6353 1089 Tuesday 6pm to 9pm or Fridays 10am to 4pm.
Alternatively call Helen Taylor on 6355 7231.
