Floral tributes for special mothers

THE annual Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Mother’s Day service will be held on Sunday 10 May at the Garden of the Grieving Mother.

President of the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee Garry Snowden said the short service will shift the focus from the Avenue of Honour soldiers and nurses who served overseas to the mothers and families waiting at home.

“This service does not have the formality of a military service, but it does provide an opportunity for those attending to leave a wreath or floral tribute in memory of a special mother,” Snowden said.

“We will however tell the story of one or two mothers linked to those commemorated in our Avenue.

“We always encourage citizens who are unable to attend the service, to visit the site during the day and leave a tribute at the base of the grieving mother statue.

“It doesn’t need to be an expensive wreath.

“A bunch of flowers from the family garden is just as meaningful.

“It always pleases me to see the base of the statue covered with flowers.”

The Grieving Mother statue was created by sculptor Peter Corlett as a permanent memorial to recognise the experience of families missing and/or grieving a serviceperson.

The garden was opened in 2017 by the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee as a place for quiet reflection and remembrance.