By Tanya Faulkner
It was a day of remembrance earlier this month across the community.
August 8 marks the anniversary of the Kokoda Battle, which took place in 1942 – a key date in Australia’s military history.
Around 100 locals from the Hills community gathered at One Tree Hill in Tremont to pay their respects to the young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Australia, in the nation’s only battle on Australian grounds defending its border.
Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto gave the opening address, who said he couldn’t get over how young the men were that fought at Kokoda – most at only 17, 18, or 19 years old.
“We are a beacon for the rest of the world and future generations by commemorating Kokoda.
“These men were not only fighting for freedom for Australia, but also for the rest of the world,” he said.
Mr Pesutto said it was important to honour those who gave their lives, and honour the memory of the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Monbulk MP Daniela de Martino also addressed the audience, saying the Kokoda battle was an important part of Australian history.
“These young men answered the call when we needed them most, and future generations will be forever grateful,” she said.
Ms Martino said when you honour and commemorate the past, it educates the future generation and ensures the lessons and stories don’t get forgotten.
“The individual battles over the years have all been different experiences.
“Kokoda is just as important as Gallipoli, and by focusing and addressing each one individually helps to keep them alive in their own right.
A Prayer was given by a Life Member of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association, Mary Holloway, which was written by her father especially for Kokoda day.
White posts were set in the foreground of the ceremony, with names passed around to attendees prior to the service to stick onto the posts, at the time the names were read out of the 22 soldiers who lost their lives at Kokoda.
Once stuck on the posts, these names created white crosses to represent the 22 fallen soldiers.
Many of the speakers mentioned they, too, had children around the same age as those who died and couldn’t imagine them having to pick up a rifle or go to war.
The service concluded with the laying of wreaths on each of the monuments by distinguished guests and on the crosses, the Last Post, and the national anthem sung by Belgrave South Primary School’s students.
Monbulk Police Sergeant Luke Schroder, who read out the names of the fallen soldiers, said his oldest child is at a similar age so it was a reality check for what those men went through in the conflict.
Victoria Parks area chief ranger Matt Hoogland, who is a regular attendee of the Kokoda services, said Vic Parks has a longstanding partnership and support for Kokoda association.
Mr Hoogland said Vic Parks does more than just protecting plants and parks, but also helps to restore Australian historic monuments and facilitate events where it can.
“It’s a battalion-led event, but Victoria Parks does what it can to help facilitate the memorials,” he said.
Locals visiting Kokoda and One Tree Hill picnic grounds can explore the memorial park, and discover the 20 memorial plaques that are rotated each month along the walk.
