General News
29 April, 2024
Crowds mark Anzac Day in Carisbrook
Carisbrook’s Anzac Day memorial saw the history of the town’s commemoration of the day reflected throughout the ceremony. Carisbrook Historical Society’s Alex Stoneman was the guest speaker, reflecting on his time learning and understanding...
Carisbrook’s Anzac Day memorial saw the history of the town’s commemoration of the day reflected throughout the ceremony.
Carisbrook Historical Society’s Alex Stoneman was the guest speaker, reflecting on his time learning and understanding the history of his family, as well as the background of Carisbrook’s Anzac Day history, at the Pyrenees Highway cenotaph near the corner of Camp Street.
Hymns, the reading of the names of the fallen, as well as the sounding of The Last Post and the subsequent raising of the flag were part of the day’s program, while students from Carisbrook Primary School also spoke about the importance of the younger generation understanding Anzac Day.
Mr Stoneman spoke of the privilege of speaking on Anzac Day.
“The first time I spoke was 43 years ago at a function like this. It’s a privilege and it’s good to share. It’s good that so many people are here to get the message and get feedback. It helps engender community spirit and a sense of community itself in a place like Carisbrook, as well as Majorca, where I spoke earlier,” he said.
“We couldn’t do it without the historical society or the shire council’s support. When you think about it, there’s a lot of support out there.”
Mr Stoneman also spoke about the importance of ensuring the soldiers’ histories in Carisbrook and Majorca was preserved through publicly available honour boards, while also revealing that plans were in place to do so at Majorca.
“We grabbed the honour boards from the two churches before they closed down, so they wouldn’t end up in private hands. The last thing we did two years ago was put the honour board here on the Avenue of Honour board with all the soldiers on it, and we plan to make a case to get a grant to do the same thing at Majorca, get all the 21 soldiers’ information on the board. It’s important,” he said.
MC for the day, Noela Evans, says it was important for people to continue attending to understand the history of Carisbrook on Anzac Day.
“There were a lot. We see the same families every year, but the kids are coming and so are the grandkids, so it really is expanding, and it’s great to see them remember their relatives,” she said.
Ms Evans praised Mr Stoneman’s commitment to the cause.
“I love it when Alex speaks, as part of the Historical Society and what they try and do for the community. At Majorca, he spoke about putting in the trees and putting up signs so people know who each of the soldiers are on the cenotaph out there. He’s a great speaker. He said he had to learn about his relatives, and we never stop learning,” she said.
“Many years ago, at the 100th year commemoration of Anzac Day, I didn’t think we would have this, as insurance would cost a lot of money, and we didn’t have any RSL members, but the Historical Society stepped in and said it is a historic event, our insurance can cover it and they did. Alex has supported us since.”
