Community & Business
2 August, 2022
Monument to pay respects
A NEW monument paying respect to the Australian servicemen who tragically lost their lives during the Afghanistan war has been erected outside the Atherton RSL, due to be officially opened on VP day.
Australia was involved in the Afghanistan conflict for around 20 years, losing 41 lives in the process, three of whom were born on the Atherton Tablelands.
To pay their respects, the Atherton RSL put works in motion 12 years ago to have the $90,000 monument installed.
RSL deputy president, chaplain and ex-serviceman, John Mudge MBE said it was important to pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in Australia’s longest conflict.
The monument has now been installed and unlike other markers of its kind, depicts a soldier of the 3rd battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment who would have served in Afghanistan.
“This statue reflects that we understand and acknowledge the men and women who lost their lives during the Afghanistan conflict,” Rev Mudge said.
The monument is also due to have a plaque installed honouring the lives of service dogs who were killed on duty protecting Australians overseas.
There will be an official opening of the monument to be observed on Victory in the Pacific Day on 14 August beginning at 2pm, after the Rocky Creek War Memorial service.
