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Worthy pause
By Tim Asher

Edition 1165, May 03, 2007
 
In memorium: CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy joins those at the opening of the new memorial to non-operational deaths of South Queensland soldiers.
Photo by Tim Asher
THE rising sun on April 25 saw the first Anzac Day dawn over a new memorial to non-operational deaths of South Queensland soldiers.

In a rising sun design, the Gallipoli Barracks memorial honours 246 soldiers who died since 1945.

In his address to the families and friends of deceased soldiers, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy said the memorial was beautifully designed and crafted.

Maj Stephen Bain, 2CER, was a member of the design team and said the memorial was modelled on the rising sun.

“Such is its orientation, you can stand facing the headwall at this site and watch the dawning sun rise up over the memorial,” Maj Bain said.

Although the Army strives for the ultimate in safety, there may be a need to honour future deaths in non-operational circumstances. To achieve this, rays can be added to the rising sun by removing existing pavers and putting walls in their place.

This is seen on the ground so that future designers won’t need to refer to plans.

Lt-Gen Leahy said the rising sun was a familiar symbol. “Like the rising sun we wear on our slouch hat, it’s the symbol of our family, it has been the symbol since federation,” he said.

“It has been the symbol of the Army on service, and so as we look at this, we see the names of our loved ones, our family as part of the rising sun. The Army is 106 years old this year, and we’re going to be wearing the rising sun for another 106 years at least, so those names are in place on something that will not change.

It marks a real sense that they are part of who we have been, and they are part of who we will be in the future.”
The CA said that until recently, the Army as a family didn’t have a way of acknowledging those who died in peace time.

Madonna Palmer, whose son died in Townsville a few years ago, wanted a place to remember her son’s Army service.

It was decided to construct memorials for soldiers who died in peace time.

Lt-Gen Leahy said these memorials were places for family and mates to remember.

He welcomed, and acknowledged the families of Tpr Jamie Bodley, 2/14 LHR (QMI), Sgt Steven Lowe, 1 Fd Regt, Pte Benjamin Cole, 6RAR and Gnr T. Heireman, 131 STA Bty.

The CA said those remembered on the memorial included members who died of natural causes, work and road accidents and those who have had troubles in their services and were driven to suicide.