Speeches

Monday, 11 November 2024

St Peters War Memorial Rededication

---

Rod and I are honoured to join you on this solemn day for the rededication of the St Peters Heroes Memorial.

And in doing so, I am pleased to be able to continue the Vice-Regal association with this memorial.

102 years ago, then Governor Sir Archibald Weigall, unveiled this memorial in memory of the supreme sacrifice and service of the men of St Peters.

Five years ago, on Anzac Eve, my immediate predecessor the Hon Hieu Van Le stood here and unveiled the two bronze plaques we see on the sides of the Memorial, listing the names of 145 men from the former Town of St Peters who died in the Great War.

At that time, he reflected on his witnessing the horrors of the Vietnam War and his personal gratitude to all Australian servicemen and women; a gratitude we all share.

Today I will unveil a further bronze plaque listing the names of 89 men from the St Peters Council area who died as a result of their service in the Second World War.

So many from such a small area.

This memorial, situated on a prominent crossroad and in a lovely setting, is an important place.

One where we can reflect. A place where we can remember. A place where the names of now 234 St Peter’s heroes will be honoured in a lasting tribute.

Each name on the memorial speaks to courage, tenacity, and bravery. In that way, the memorial is a marker, where today’s young people and generations to come can understand how we have been shaped by the service and sacrifice of others.

I thank the St Peters Residents Association for researching, preparing, and installing the bronze plaques on the Memorial, and the City of Norwood and St Peters and Veterans SA for their support.

Thank you for the honour you have paid me by inviting me to be part of this ceremony, especially in the presence of family members of those named on the memorial.

Today by unveiling the additional plaque we add another important chapter to the story of remembrance.

Lest we forget.