Corowa’s war memorial, unveiled 100 years ago this September, has been rededicated with a poignant service held on Saturday, September 10.
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Members of the Corowa RSL Sub Branch, Federation Council Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch, Member for Albury Justin Clancy, and special guest Michael Caughey OAM joined the public for a special commemorative service at the monument.
Special guest Mr Caughey, a former Corowa High School Student, served in military operations in Malaysia, Uganda, East Timor and Afghanistan, and was pleased to be part of the special occasion for Corowa.
Mr Caughey enlisted in the Australian Regular Army where he trained as an Infantry Soldier and was promoted through the Non-Commissioned Officer ranks to Warrant Officer Class One culminating in a number of Regimental Sergeant Major appointments- notably the Parachute Battalion, The Unknown Soldier Contingent and the International Force in East Timor. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 2003 where he served, until discharge, in 2016.
Due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the much-anticipated ceremonial parts of the service such as the band and catafalque party were withdrawn with orders from the Military Chief of Staff stating that service personnel were unable to attend any ceremonies during the Queen’s mourning period.
While this was sad news for the hard-working Memorial sub-committee, the intimate gathering was well received by those who attended.
Master of Ceremonies Tony Dunne OAM addressed the crowd thanking everyone for their attendance.
Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch delivered the Commemorative Address acknowledging the foresight of the community 100 years ago to build a memorial for the local people who served in World War I and those who lost their lives.
“It was the people of this district that got behind and built this monument that still stands here today, 100 years on,” Cr Whitechurch said.
“When you look at the population of Corowa back then, it was possibly 1 in 3 people who were eligible, went away for the war in this town.
“That means everybody in this town would have lost a neighbour or a friend. The community would have known all or most of those who never returned from World War I.
“We have all known, been associated with, or been related to someone who has served in a war. This monument was built by the people for the people. That’s what it’s about. May we never lose track or sight of that.”
Following the Deputy Mayor’s address, a new plaque was unveiled on the monument by Michael Caughey OAM and Corowa RSL Sub-Branch President Martin Magill.
The local clergy each gave their blessing. The blessing was conducted by the Venerable Peter Richards (Anglican), Father John McGrath (Catholic), Reverend Richard Keith (Presbyterian) and Reverend Graeme Wells (Uniting).
After the blessing, wreaths were laid by Justin Clancy MP, Cr Whitechurch, Mr Caughey and Mr Magill.
“Rededicated once again, this memorial reminds us of the young men and women who willingly out their lives in danger, and sometimes laid down their lives in the service of their country, this being the ultimate sacrifice. What we are recognising today is the lives of all personnel who committed to the service of our country is meaningful and worth of remembrance,” Mr Dunne said in the Requiem.
With wet weather forecast for the day, the rain began to fall during the Requiem, however guests remained unphased by the sky’s blessing.
Mr Magill delivered The Ode, which was followed by The Last Post, One Minutes Silence, The Rouse, the National Anthem and The Lord’s Prayer.
The service concluded with a musical tribute “We are Australians”.
Following the service Martin Magill told the Free Press that while inclement weather and the Queen’s passing had changed the day’s program of events, he was grateful to see the community support.
“The weather and Her Majesty’s death curtailed a lot of our planned events, however I would like to thank the members of the community who still showed up today,” he said.
“I would also like to thank our secretary Tony Dunne for conducting today’s service and the Memorial sub-committee who put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months.”
The monument was first unveiled in a large ceremony by Major-General Sir Charles Rosenthal on Sunday, September 10, 1922, originally erected to commemorate those from the district who died in World War One, paid for by the Corowa and district community.
The clock was given by Mr Samuel Nixon of “Belmont” who also gave a donation of £500 towards the monument.