On Saturday morning a crowd gathered at the Proserpine Cemetary to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the first interned local soldier.
While this momentous occasion was being observed, 14 other servicemen were also acknowledged for their sacrifice.
Before this day, 10 soldiers from World War I, and four from World War II, had no headstones commemorating their lives and nowhere for their families to pay their respects.
Thanks to the efforts of the broader community and the dedicated volunteers, however, these soldiers were finally given a symbolic resting place with simple yet meaningful white crosses now marking their lives.
Bunnings donated the wood and the Proserpine Community Centre Men’s Group built the 13 wooden crosses which were then painted white.
Dennis Feijo from Jades Temple Tattoo engraved the names of each fallen soldier onto the crosses which were then placed in the cemetery by dignitaries, family members and RSL representatives on the day.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP helped local resident Anne Gardel place a white cross in the ground for her Great Uncle David Fraser.
“It’s on these men’s shoulders that the defence force is now built upon,” said Ms Camm.
“This show of community pride pays testament to how they sacrificed their youth to go and serve and to see a local connection here today, a family member being recognised, well, I feel really proud to be part of this important moment.”
Organiser Lyn Burke said that every man played an important role in the war and deserved to be acknowledged.
“They’re all diverse - from World War I to the Boar War, the shores of Gallipoli to the trenches of France – we’ve even got an airman here today that we are going to honour who was a radio operator who died at Evans Head in NSW,” she said.
Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Mayor Julie Hall, Luke Burgess, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Lyn Burke, Dave Silverstone, Councillor Gary Simpson
Anne Gardel places a cross for her Great Uncle David Fraser alongside Amanda Camm MP
Councillor Al Grundy with representatives from the local RSL
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