Final honour for war heroes

By Paul Dunlop
A DREAM to build a monument honouring war heroes through history has turned to striking bricks and mortar.
Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the unveiling of Kooweerup’s impressive new memorial to the district’s soldiers.
Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Bilson officially unveiled the new cenotaph and twin honour walls listing the 450 names of those who have served in conflicts since World War I.
The honour roll also lists the 59 local soldiers who gave their lives in the service to their country.
Building the memorial has been a true community project and was a dream fulfilled for Kooweerup Returned Services League branch president Ron Ingram.
“We’ve been working towards this for three years,” he said.
Mr Ingram, a Vietnam veteran, has helped to revitalise the RSL branch which has grown from a handful of members to at least 40 in recent times.
Mr Ingram said the newest members joined after the opening ceremony on 25 March which attracted a crowd of about 600 people to the memorial outside the town’s community centre.
Master of ceremonies Peter Bottomley introduced guest speakers who included Victorian RSL president Major General David McLachlan, Cardinia mayor Kate Lempriere, local MPs and councillors.
Cr Doug Hamilton said the memorial had grown out of an Anzac spirit and paid tribute to Mr Ingram and his band of helpers for achieving their dream.
“There has been a sense of ownership with this memorial,” Cr Hamilton said, adding it was a magnificent tribute to the district’s former soldiers.
Major Dennis McMillan, chaplain of HMAS Sydney Association, made the dedication and consecration which was followed by the laying of wreaths by officials and dignitaries as well as residents.
The monument honours Kooweerup’s soldiers as well as those from Caldermeade, Monomeith, Dalmore, Bayles, Catani, Cardinia, Rythdale and other smaller communities.
Soldiers from both world wars as well as the Vietnam, Korean and other confrontations are included, along with veterans of the many peacekeeping operations of more recent times.
Mr Ingram said the community had really pulled together to build the monument, valued at around $200,000.
Most of the materials and labour for the project was donated.
“It was a very proud day,” he said.
“People have worked exceptionally hard on this.
“We were privileged to have several World War II veterans at the opening as well as many widows and family of former veterans.
“It was absolutely fantastic, a perfect day and we are all set for Anzac Day now.”