Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
‘Lest we forget’ is the phrase used at Remembrance Services, but sadly many veterans who survived the war can easily be forgotten if there is no one, or no tangible way, to remember them.
The Headstone Project is playing a valuable role ensuring that all Australian First World War veterans are recognised and their last resting place is suitably commemorated with a headstone.
Common reasons some returned soldiers from World War One have no headstone include a lack of funds or no close family members.
Today the Headstone Project dedicated 30 plaques at Finneys Chapel, Kings Meadows. Among the men being commemorated include:
* Sergeant Peter McMurray, of the 51st Battalion.
* Private William Andrews, 12th Battalion.
* Private Albert Boscoe, 58th Battalion.
* Private John Denman, 29th Battalion.
Despite the challenges of locating the burial sites of all returned World War One soldiers in unmarked graves and providing each with a headstone, the Headstone Project believe it is achievable.
The Tasmanian Government’s Centenary of ANZAC Grant Program, that ran from 2014-2018, provided $17,448 to the Headstone Project. The Project also received Tasmanian Government funding of $40,000 in 2018-19.
The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises the valuable contribution of Tasmania’s service men and women, investing a record $750,000 in the 2019-20 Budget to support veterans, ex-service personnel and their families.
