Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra has presented five local organisations with grants to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War.
Mr Leeser was impressed with the projects that had been approved for funding and the different ways in which the groups were commemorating the centenary.
“This Sunday Remembrance Day marks the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. It is a day for Australians to observe one minute’s silence at 11 am in memory of those who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts,” Mr Leeser said.
“More than 1.5 million Australians have served in defence of our nation and values in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping. More than 102,000 Australians have made the supreme sacrifice.”
“These grants provide a way for our community to come together on Remembrance Day. A way for us to stop and think about the lives cut short, and how that has affected families, friends and communities,” Mr Leeser said.
Berowra RSL Sub Branch members supported Mount Colah resident Scott Wilson are commemorating local service men and women who died in the First World War by researching and documenting 33 of the 41 names on the Berowra War Memorial.
“Mr Wilson’s book, In Good Company, is a milestone contribution to our local history. The written manifesto will educate the younger generation of Australians of the service and sacrifice of those who served during the First World War,” Mr Leeser said.
Redfield College will establish a learning centre displaying First World War memorabilia. The school will also host a presentation by historian Paul Martin on 12 November.
“It’s pleasing to see new ideas on how to commemorate the sacrifice our soldiers made. A learning centre makes it accessible to people of all ages including children. I would like to congratulate Mark Anderson at Redfield who spearheaded this project for students to learn the history of the Great War through artefacts and storytelling,” Mr Leeser said.
The India Club are creating a digital honour board in remembrance of the Indian soldiers and Anzacs who fought together in Gallipoli.
“A lesser known – but equally important – story is the one of the 15,000 Indians who fought with the allied troops in Gallipoli. It shows the remarkable diversity in the armed forces and the limitless bounds of courage that encompasses military action,” Mr Leeser said.
Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch will host an art exhibition to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice.
“The combination of art and memorial services is a powerful way to honour our fallen soldiers. I would like to acknowledge Terry James, the president of Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, for leading this excellent remembrance event, along with a series of memorial services and events to mark the Centenary of Armistice,” Mr Leeser said.
Mr Leeser supported a partnership between the Hindu Council of Australia and the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch which will see a memorial built honouring Indian soldiers who served with Australia’s Anzacs.
“A little-known story of World War I is the contribution made by a small number of Indian soldiers who enlisted to fight with the AIF.”
“The legacy is a continuing sign of the strong alliance between both countries with the common bond of friendship and democracy.”
“There are at least 12 Indians who volunteered and fought with the AIF. In-depth research has uncovered the role these soldiers played,” Mr Leeser said.
This memorial is the first of its kind in New South Wales. Mr Leeser will unveil a new memorial on Saturday 10 November at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook, to commemorate the service and sacrifice made by Indian soldiers and military personnel who served in the first Australian Imperial Force.
The Armistice Centenary Grants Program, provided groups with the opportunity to receive funding for local projects that commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice on 11 November 2018.
