Last Sunday, between 100 and 150 people gathered at the Nhill Cemetery for the official opening of its Flag Project, followed by a Remembrance service and a march through the cemetery by the Light Horse reenactment committee. The project aims to honour veterans by placing flags on their graves.
The Nhill Cemetery Flag Committee, established in January 2024, includes members from various local groups such as the Nhill RSL, Lowan Lodge 107, the Nhill Lions Club, and the Nhill Rotary Club. Its goal is to place flags on the graves of men and women who have served in any military service and conflict. During the event, 98 flags were installed, spreading across the lawn cemetery, general cemetery, and all main roads. This ongoing project is expected to expand further in the future.
Rhys Webb, the president of the Nhill Cemetery Flag Committee, addressed families concerned about the absence of flags on some graves, assuring them that the project is ongoing and that every eligible grave will eventually receive a flag. “If families see that their family member hasn’t got a flag this year, please understand this is ongoing, and we are determined to have everyone eligible to have a flag,” he said.
The event also featured the Naracoorte Light Horse number 3 reenactment group, which paraded around the cemetery in full World War I uniforms. Two World War I nurses joined the parade. John Dunbar, the President of Nhill RSL, and Rhys Webb, the secretary, presided over a memorial service, inviting guests to lay a poppy in remembrance.
Special thanks were given to all committee members and supporting groups, including the Nhill Cemetery Trust, Hindmarsh Shire, and various local clubs and schools, for their contributions to the success of the project.
Donations are welcome to support the ongoing work. To contribute or get more information, email nhill.rslsubbranch@gmail.com or call 0410 232 996. The project stands as a tribute to those who served in the military, with a reminder of the phrase, “Lest We Forget.”
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 24 April 2024.
