Alkira’s War Memorial Garden is slowly taking shape, with the first remembrance rose planted.
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A pink Flanders Rose was planted by resident and World War II veteran Ted Bernays on Thursday, with a small number of residents and staff venturing out into the chill afternoon to watch.
Mr Bernays is one of the last remaining servicemen to have fought at the Battle of Coral Sea. The garden will give him and fellow residents somewhere to sit and reflect.
“It gives me great pleasure on this auspicious occasion to dedicate this remembrance rose,” he said to the small crowd.
A main feature of the garden is the 300kg 3D commemorative statue featuring a digger playing a bugle, with the words, ‘Lest we forget’, cut out of the metalwork.
Remembrance plants will include ‘Anzac’ bottlebrush, Gallipoli rosemary, poppies and roses. Roses have been named by residents and Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. A plaque bearing The Ode has been incorporated into one of the garden beds and a flagpole has been installed.
The garden is bordered by an existing path, which has now been named, “Remembrance Walk”. Seating will be added for the comfort of residents.
The project is funded by an Anzac Community Grant of $2000 and Friends of Alkira.
The garden will be officially opened on Tuesday at 11am, followed by a barbecue breakfast. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
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