By Hamish Heard
A MEMORIAL service commemorating the actions of Australian soldiers who fought and died protecting their country will produce a few teary eyes at Spotswood’s Veterans Reserve next week.
Organiser Jean King knows more than most about the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in the name of their country.
The 87-year-old Yarraville resident lost her husband in World War II.
Ms King said next Tuesday’s service would pay particular homage to soldiers who lost their lives on home soil.
She said the service would bring together people of different generations to ensure the legacy of war is carried on.
“I think it is very important to include children because they must be taught the history of the price paid in blood and tears in the defence of this country,” Ms King said.
War hero Lieutenant-Colonel Ted Lyons will speak at the event.
Hobsons Bay mayor Bill Baarini and Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan will lay wreaths at a monument erected in the reserve last year.
Students from Spotswood Primary School and St Margaret’s Primary School will also lay wreaths.
“We would like as many children as possible to come along and bring a flower from their home garden and after the official laying of wreaths we will welcome all the children to lay a flower at the base of the memorial,” Ms King said.
The service starts at 11am Tuesday February 19 at Veterans Reserve in Mary St.
