Returned service people attended Sunset Cemetery on Remembrance Day in Mount Isa to see the unveiling of a new tribute to fallen soldiers.
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On Saturday at 9am, returned serviceman Steven Carrington from Mount Isa RSL sub-branch, unveiled three new signs at the entrance to the cemetery.
“This display here at the entrance to the cemetery will forever remind us that there are 230 known Army, Navy, and Airforce personnel buried here in our cemetery,” Mr Carrington said.
Stage two will be finished off at a later date, by paving or concreting, and landscaping the area.
Other returned service people present included Bob Burden and ex-Mayor of Mount Isa, Les Bunn.
The project was made possible through support from Mount Isa Mines, and Mount Isa City Council.
Mr Carrington presented Mount Isa Mines CEO, Matt O’Neill, with a silhouette figurine of a soldier as a small gift of appreciation.
“It’s very appreciated by the sub-branch, what Mount Isa Mines have done for us,” Mr Carrington said.
Mr O’Neill acknowledged distinguished guests included councillor George Fortune, and the work of the Mount Isa RSL sub-branch in honouring local service people.
“I’d really like to say a special thank you to the sub-branch up here in Mount Isa,” Mr O’Neill said.
“The work that you’re doing to make sure that everybody within town has dignified and appropriate memorials around what has gone on in the past, and to make sure that everybody lives here understands the contribution of those individuals is really important, so congratulations.”
Father Mick Lowcock blessed each of the new displays with a sprinkling of holy water, and prayed.
“May the departed find rest. Bless these memorials. May they mark the resting place of all in this cemetery who have died in conflicts,” Father Mick said.
Cadets from the Mount Isa Airforce program were on parade at the ceremony, lining up in front of the cemetery gates.
Local residents then made their way to Mount Isa Civic Centre lawn for the main Remembrance Day ceremony.