Corowa RSL Sub Branch members and monument committee Tony Dunne OAM, Peter Francis, Lesley Rinehart and Adrienne Mitrevics are looking forward to seeing the community come together to mark the 100th anniversary of the Corowa War Memorial on September 10.
Corowa’s iconic monument at the top end of Sanger Street will turn 100-years-old on September 10 and with a big commemoration and rededication service planned for the day.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
A Corowa RSL Sub Branch organising committee for the day’s commemoration recently unveiled two lapel pins available for purchase to mark the occasion.
The lapel pins, designed by Paul Wilson with the assistance of local businesses Regional Design Service, both depict the Corowa War Memorial monument, with one featuring a poppy behind the monument.
Acting Corowa RSL Club president Lesley Rinehart said the 100th anniversary was a celebration for the community.
“It was the community who raised a significant amount of money 100 years ago so that they could honour those who made the supreme sacrifice,” she said.
“It was a huge celebration when they unveiled the monument with thousands of people coming from all over the district to be part of the occasion.”
Corowa RSL Sub Branch Secretary Anthony (Tony) Dunne OAM said the rededication of the monument would recognise not just the World War I and World War II names on the monument but all locals who served their country.
“It remains as a place for honouring the fallen, and those who have served our nation and made sacrifices for our country and freedom ,” Mr Dunne said.
The monument was first unveiled in a large ceremony by Major-General Sir Charles Rosenthal on Sunday, September 10, 1922. It was originally erected to commemorate those from the district who died in World War One, paid for by the Corowa and district community.
The dedicatory service was performed by Rev. R. J. Howie, of Orange (late of Corowa), and about 3000 people attended.
The memorial, the construction of which was entrusted to returned soldier and Sydney sculptor Mr. A. J. Goode, takes the form of a clock tower, and is of plain, obelisk design.
The clock was given by Mr Samuel Nixon of “Belmont” who also gave a donation of £500 towards the monument.
The names of those who died in service or were killed in action in World World War Two were added at a later date.
The ceremony will commence at 10am on Saturday, September 10. There will be a Catafalque Party from Bandiana as well as a pipe band, the Corowa Pony Club representing the Australian Light Horse and armoured vehicles.
Following the service, the Lions Club be cooking a barbeque in RSL Park.
The Sub Branch look forward to seeing the community join in on the commemorations.
The lapel pins are available for purchase from Gyles Newsagency and the Corowa Civic Centre.
28°C