Ballarat and surrounding Brigades paid tribute to their fellow fire fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in World War I.
50 trees (numbers 1001 to 1050) in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour were planted to honour the 50 fire fighters from the are who fought in the War, nine of which were unable to make it home to their families. Four helmet plaques were also positioned on Remembrance Drive to commemorate those Ballarat fire fighters who lost their life in World War I. Unfortunately due to age and vehicles only three of the original plaques remain and are quite damaged. For sensitivity reasons these plaque are unable to be repaired.
On Saturday 18 April 2015 members from the Eureka Group Brigades unveiled a new memorial to join the existing helmet plaques. The collaborative project between the CFA and the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee began 18 months ago. Paul Jenkins who is a Life Members and former Captain of the Sebastopol Fire Brigade said he was pleased by the effort of the works carried out. “What they have done is marvellous” he said.
Over 70 members of Ballarat and surrounding Brigades attended the morning roadside service in Cardigan. A CFA Piper played while a representative from each Brigade unveiled the memorial and laid their wreaths. Members who attended were also able to lay a poppy and the Last Post was played by a Bugler before a minutes silence was held to remember those who had fought in the War.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget
Author: Rachael Leoncini