The Lithgow and District Family History Society hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Anzac Memorial Garden in Lithgow General Cemetery on Sunday, November 11.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The service was attended by nearly 50 residents who turned out to see the recently installed bronze plaque on the memorial rock which replaced the original, damaged by vandals.
“We just want to thank cemetery staff who have gone above and beyond in helping with this project,” Helen Taylor said.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Lithgow City Council deputy mayor Wayne McAndrew, and Society members Helen Taylor and Eleanor Martin were invited to unveil the new plaque.
“I’ve got to say I drove here yesterday afternoon to make sure it was okay, I didn't want to be confronted by what I was confronted with last time I attended this event,” Cr McAndrew said.
The traditional service was a tribute to both Australians and New Zealanders who served their country during World War I.
Guest Speakers include Lithgow City Council deputy mayor Wayne McAndrew, Member for Calare Andrew Gee and Lithgow RSL sub-branch’s John Barlow who spoke about the relevance of the poppy flower.
The service featured singing by Ben Fairbairn. He performed a rendition of The Anzac and sang the Australian national anthem with Pat Connell.
The story of local soldier Private George Mara was narrated by his great nephew (times three) Brody McLean.
A tribute was also paid to New Zealand born Gallipoli Veteran, Private Joseph King, who served with the AIF and who is buried in Lithgow General Cemetery.
The New Zealand national anthem was also sung in Maori and English by his fellow New Zealanders.
Read more:
Members of the public will be invited to lay wreaths or poppies at the Anzac Memorial rock as part of the service.
Lithgow Council wanted to give a big thank you to Lithgow Cemetery staff members Peter Gordon and Glen Chew who went above and beyond to help with the installation of the new plaque, garden and seating.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.