by Cady Andersen
from the Moree Champion
The Toomelah War Memorial is having the finishing touches completed and the opening is set for next month.
The memorial recognises the sacrifice and services of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have served for the Australian Defence Force since 1901 and for those that are enlisted today.
A roll of honour plaque including 21 names will be erected to recognise the local men that served.
About 30 dignitaries are expected to attend and about 300 people will be catered for.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been invited but a response has not yet been given.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Association representative David Williams will be the master of ceremonies.
Moree National Services Association vice-president and Indigenous Veterans’ representative, Les Lang, is the man who has been working tirelessly to complete the project.
It has taken him about eight months to complete the research and have the memorial built.
He said he was quite happy with the results.
“It just got bigger and better every day.
“I just want to thank everyone who has helped; their donations and support has been excellent,” Mr Lang said
Toomelah elder Reg Haines said the memorial brought pride to the community acknowledging their people.
“It’s a big thing for Les to take on board.
“It’s good,” he said.
A commemoration service in honour of Les Waters, the only Aboriginal pilot in World War II, will be held first at 9am Queensland time at his memorial in Merriwa St, Boggabilla, before the memorial opening at 11am in Toomelah.
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