Pathway unveiling to honour veterans

THIS Remembrance Day in Inverleigh will see the unveiling of the town’s new Veterans Memorial Interactive Pathway and an aerial salute.

Representing a significant RSL Sub-Branch and community effort, the interactive pathway will feature 270 inlaid and engraved paving bricks bearing the names of local families, residents and honoured loved ones, all purchased through a fundraising Buy-A-Brick project.

Their placement in the recently concreted pathway at the entrance to the town’s RSL building on High Street marks the latest addition to the interactive pathway project which, as of recent days, also features new flagpoles flying the Australian and New Zealand flags and after-dark illumination.

Inverleigh RSL sub branch president Deema Johnston, who served in Cambodia, said the Remembrance Day program this Tuesday 11 November will begin at the cenotaph at 10.30am sharp for a service featuring a catafalque party of 8th/7th Royal Victoria Regiment members.

“We will have an army captain from the High Commission of New Zealand joining us and also federal MP Dan Tehan and state MPs Michaela Settle and Christine Couzens,” said Mr Johnston who will emcee formalities.

“We will also have two chaplains doing prayers and one of them is a retired Vietnam veteran.”

Mr Johnston said all are welcome to attend those and the following 11.30am ceremonial unveiling of the newly brick-paved interactive pathway by local school children.

“We also have the Tiger Moth aircraft scheduled to fly over at 11 am and tip the wings in an aerial salute.”

The ongoing interactive walkway works have been enabled through community effort and contribution, including local business operators.

“The amount of time that’s gone into this is absolutely phenomenal,” Mr Johnston said.

The long-term aim is to extend the back of the RSL building and make it all-abilities accessible.

Remembrance Day activities will also include refreshments provided by the Red Cross, with several local eateries and the pub opening especially for the day.