By Bonny Burrows
The final of the Pakenham RSL’s memorial stones, in honour of Australian service personnel, will be unveiled this Remembrance Day.
The first of the seven stones was erected beside the Pakenham cenotaph in August last year in recognition of those who served and fought overseas in the Korean, Malaya and Indonesia (Far East Strategic Reserve), and Vietnam conflicts.
Following this year’s 11 November commemorative event, the RSL will reveal the four remaining stones in honour of those who served in peacekeeping efforts in Somalia and East Timor and in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Tree plaques will also be unveiled at the ceremony.
The line of stones will form a commemorative walk for service personnel, their families and the general public to pay their respects.
“The Pakenham Cenotaph has for many years, and we hope for many more years in the future, been a place for people around the district to pay their respects to the men and women who served in World War I and World War II,” the RSL said in a statement.
“Pakenham RSL is now able to pay its respects to those brave Australian service personnel who fought in conflicts post World War II with the installation of seven memorial rocks over two stages.”
The unveiling of stage two will take place on Saturday 11 November at the Pakenham RSL Hall, corner James and Snodgrass streets, immediately following the 10.50am traditional Remembrance Day service.
Guest speakers will include military historian Marcus Fielding.
Damien Lord will perform the Last Post and local performer Emma Marsen will sing the Australian anthem.
A light lunch and refreshments will be served at the RSL Hall at the conclusion of the unveiling.
