Mindful on Mother’s Day of soldiers’ loved ones

FOR Garry Snowden, it is “only right” that the community take time on Mother’s Day to reflect and remember the many women who experienced deep sadness as a result of their children going to war.

Although a formal commemorative service can’t be held this Sunday due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Arch of Victory – Avenue of Honour Committee president encourages Ballarat to make a visit to the Garden of the Grieving mother, adjacent to the Arch in Alfredton.

“Since its opening in February, 2016, the garden has been a focal point for commemoration on Mother’s Day,” Mr Snowden said.

“Each year since the Governor General unveiled the statue, the number of floral tributes left there…has grown.

“It seems more and more Ballarat families are remembering mothers, grandmothers and great aunts who experienced the anxiety and grief associated with sons and daughters serving our country in times of conflict.”

From the Ballarat district, 759 people were killed in World War One including 50 sets of brothers. Humffray Street’s Samuel and William Sells both died at Lone Pine on the one day, and the last three weeks of the conflict took the lives of Lawrence and Robert Tait.

“The grief experienced by their mothers, Elizabeth Sells and Anne Tait, is remembered on Mother’s Day and is reflected in the words on the base of the statue,” Mr Snowden Said.

The inscription reads; I had no skill to offer, I had no wealth to spend. Mine was a greater glory, I had a son to send. Silently the shades of evening gather round my lonely door. Silently they bring before me the face I shall see no more.

“This year will challenge the Ballarat community…but I’ll be surprised if the statue base is not covered by flowers or other tributes by day’s end,” Mr Snowden said.