The father of five World War II veterans has been honoured with a headstone 76 years after his passing, unifying a family to reflect on his life and contribution.
John Patton passed away on April 12, 1947, and was buried at Mackay Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
John had eight children, five of which served various theatres of World War II, with one being killed in action.
“Money would’ve been very tight, and it broke our heart that our grandfather was in an unmarked grave; we wouldn’t stand for that,” said John’s grandson Tim Patton.
Upon discovering the unmarked grave, the family approached Ken Higgins, Mackay RSL Sub Branch President, admitting that while John didn’t serve, five of his sons did.
“Ken’s words were, ‘If that ain’t serving, I don’t know what is,’” Tim said.
While it wasn’t the goal, Tim is pleased the headstone was complete in time for Anzac Day.
“It’s the time of year when we think about our veterans and our family members who we’ve lost,” he said.
“It’s a place where we can come as opposed to a piece of grass.
“I can bring my children, my grandchildren and generations afterwards will be able to honour their predecessors.”
Costs of the headstone were split three ways between the family, Mackay RSL Sub Branch and Mackay Monumental Masons.
“He gave five sons to the war and finished up in an unmarked grave in Mackay and that’s not on,” Ken said.
“We need to do better, we have, and we’ll continue to do that.”
John’s grandchildren Tim Patton, Des Patton, Ken Higgins (Mackay RSL), Nichole Hood (Mackay RSL), Linda Caruana, Julie Samnut and Karen Grech. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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