Will Hunter, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Kadina Memorial School unveiled its new commemorative tribute to past and present Australian Defence Force service personnel at its Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, November 10.
The school secured two federal Saluting Their Services grants totalling $10,000 to plant and maintain an Aleppo “Lone Pine” seedling, supplied by the Australian War Memorial, and erect three flagpoles near its Performing Arts Centre.
The significance of the Lone Pine dates back to World War I when Australian troops arrived at the Gallipoli Peninsula and were met with a ridge upon which a single pine tree stood.
The tree became a vital reference point for soldiers before it was destroyed during heavy shelling in the Battle of Lone Pine, when than 2000 Australian and 7000 Turkish soldiers died.
The project was endorsed by Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and the Kadina RSL sub-branch, which was represented at the service by president Les Maynard.
Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm to support and pay tribute to the country’s veteran community.
“The Saluting Their Service program provides funding not only for war memorials, but for a range of projects which highlight the important role our service men and women have played in over a century of service,” Mr Keogh said.
Principal Alistair Williams said the school is a living memorial to the past, present and future scholars who serve the country.
“The project will allow the now large Lone Pine seedling to grow freely with adequate irrigation and protection, whilst also providing a place of reflection and shade at a major school entrance and develop an important learning environment,” Mr Williams said.
“It is the school’s goal to provide rich and meaningful outdoor learning environments which reflect the school values of respect, opportunity and excellence to our 1200 students.
“This project is driven by student voice, a key component in preserving the local legacy and ensuring our valued seedling grows for generations.”
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 14 November 2023.
