By Tyler Wright
On Remembrance Day, Emerald RSL will unveil seven memorial plaques and the opening of a new car park, with hopes Friday 11 November will bring the community together to remember those who died or suffered in wars for Australia’s cause.
Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney expects around 300 to 400 people to visit the town’s Cenotaph at 10.30am to observe a minute’s silence for veterans.
Attendees are invited to Anzac Place afterwards for the unveiling of plaques commemorating lives lost in the seven main conflicts after World War II in countries including Iraq, Vietnam and East Timor.
After the service, Mr Maloney will speak about three of the seven conflicts and his service in Vietnam, with Emerald RSL Vice President Kane Falconer speaking about the Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor conflicts as well as the peacekeepers.
“There’ll be poppies everywhere as is our tradition in all the grasses around the township” Mr Maloney said.
“We have displays up now at Ritchie’s [IGA], Woolworths and the library each depicting nine soldiers who died in the first world war.”
While Emerald residents did serve in the seven major conflicts after World War II, Mr Maloney said it was not possible to name the local soldiers on the new plaques.
“When we did the silver plaques for World War One and World War Two, our terms of reference were for those people who were living in Emerald at the time that conflict started, and that isn’t the case for the seven conflicts,” Mr Maloney said.
“But we know that there are more people who fought in those conflicts, and that’s the important thing.”
The new Emerald RSL car park will also be officially opened with the funding provided by the state government.
A BBQ luncheon will also be provided at the Emerald RSL after the service.
Emerald RSL is located at 3 Memorial Place, Emerald.
