Orange’s connections with the Boer War will be commemorated this weekend as the local community joins with other towns across Australia to mark Boer War Day on Sunday 26 May.
A short ceremony, led by the Orange RSL, will be held at the Boer War Memorial at the northern end of Robertson Park to acknowledge the contributions Orange residents made in this conflict more than 120 years ago.
Orange RSL President Chris Colvin said Orange had a long history of commemorating the sacrifice of those who served in the Boer War, in what is now South Africa, between 1899 and 1902.
“Orange was one of the first country communities to begin marking Boer War Day on the last Sunday in May,” Mr Colvin said.
MEMORIAL: The Boer War memorial at the northern end of Robertson Park is the location for Sunday’s ceremony
“The names listed on the Boer War Memorial include many families still found in the Orange district so their descendants and anyone interested in the Boer War is welcome to attend.”
Orange Deputy Mayor Gerald Power, who will attend the event, said the bravery of one high-profile Orange resident in the Boer War created a milestone in Australia’s military history.
“At the other end of Robertson Park there’s a monument to Orange doctor, Sir Neville Howse, who received a Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery during the Boer War,” Cr Power said.
“After the war, Howse went on to become a mayor of Orange as well as a federal government minister, and he’s still the only doctor to receive the VC.”
The ceremony will be held on Sunday 28 May at 11am and will include the laying of wreaths, music from an Orange High School student and a commemorative address.
