Friday, 14 August 2020 10:45

75th Anniversary of the end of World War II

 

Earlier this year, the Eltham Cemetery Trust received a grant from the Victorian Government to install a memorial recognising the numerous veterans who served in World War II who are now resting peacefully in our Cemetery.

This memorial was inspired by a collaborative project in 2019 with local resident and retired Colonel Terry Beaton, a POW and Burma Railway Researcher to identify the servicepersons who have been interred at the Eltham Cemetery. 

Over 7,500 records and interment sites were assessed through the project, and over 850 persons who have been interred at the Cemetery from 1858 have been confirmed as servicepersons from Australia and around the world. The project specifically identified 685 persons having served for Australia in World War II, and that 70% of those persons had no recognition of their service with their memorialisation. This project and research is ongoing.

The memorial is specifically dated 15 August, as this is the official date of the end of World War II for Australians. The 15th is Victory in the Pacific Day, the date Japan accepted the Allied demand for unconditional surrender, which was made the day prior.

Plans to acknowledge this anniversary with a commemorative service were suspended due to COVID-19; planning will recommence when it is safe and appropriate to host an event. 

The Trust acknowledges with thanks the Victorian Government for supporting this opportunity to provide a lasting memorial for those who fought for our country.  

We look forward to welcoming you at the Cemetery to view the installation, which is located at the roundabout near the Mt Pleasant Road entrance, when it is safe to do so.

Click on the image on the right to view with a higher resolution.

Inscription: 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

- LEST WE FORGET - 

This memorial commemorates

the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II,

dedicated to the brave men and women

who served their country and now rest peacefully

in this cemetery.

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The Eltham Cemetery Trust 75th Anniversary project was supported by the Victorian Government.