A SPECIAL, solemn community Mother\u2019s Day tradition will return to Alfredton this month.<\/p>\n
The annual Mother\u2019s Day morning service will be held at the Garden of the Grieving Mother, beside the Arch of Victory, at 11am on Sunday, 14 May.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour committee, the short event is held around the Grieving Mother sculpture to not just commemorate all mums and special women who are missed, but to recognise all those who loved and lost their children in wartime conflicts.<\/p>\n
Committee president Garry Snowden said the group is inviting all members of the community to attend the service, and if they choose to, lay a floral tribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile it is important that we remember the hardships and sacrifice of our service men and women, we think it is also important to reflect on the hardship, anxiety and grief experienced by the families at home, particularly the mothers,\u201d Mr Snowden said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Mother\u2019s Day service is not a military style commemoration, but it will tell the story of one Ballarat wartime grieving mother.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also about reflecting on the difficulties and challenges faced by mothers at other times. I invite and encourage people to visit the site and leave a tribute to a special mother.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tribute doesn\u2019t need to be an expensive wreath. Maybe something made by the children or grandchildren, or a bunch of flowers from a home garden.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not what it is, but what it stands for that is most important. I\u2019d love to see the base of the statue covered with flowers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems that a visit to the Grieving Mother statue is becoming a Mother\u2019s Day tradition in Ballarat, which is very gratifying to observe.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A SPECIAL, solemn community Mother\u2019s Day tradition will return to Alfredton this month. The annual Mother\u2019s Day morning service will be held at the Garden of the Grieving Mother, beside the Arch of Victory, at 11am on Sunday, 14 May. Hosted by the Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour committee, the short event is held around […]<\/p>\n