Emerald SHS Commemorative Memorial
Leanne Ross Our school has a strong history of commemorating Anzac Day and 10 years earlier unveiled a plaque on a rock placed near the flag poles, but the students were largely unaware of its purpose.
With the help of a DVA grant, council and state parliament donations and local companies (Brennan's Welding, A1 Panel & Paint and Mitre 10) we were able to create a garden of pillars which list the names of battles Australians have participated in.
Students in Modern History will be encouraged to research the battles during their studies; especially the World Wars, Russia's Civil War, Peacekeeping and the Middle East.
In 2008, ex-student Lance Corporal Jason Marks was killed while serving in Afghanistan. During the opening of the memorial we honoured his service with the help of Andy Plunkett who taught him and honoured his service at nearby Capella SHS.
While planning the memorial, some of the students reflected on where future pillars would go - it was a sad thought and as a school we hope we won't have to add anymore.
