Grey Granite Obelisk
YARRAGON MEMORIAL STONE
UNVEILED BY GENERAL
ELLIOTT.
In the presence of about 400 of the residents of Yarragon and district, the ceremony of unveiling the war memorial took place on Saturday last. A handsome stone column, with a chain fencing to protect it, has been erected opposite the railway station, in the centre of the town. Yarragon is the first centre in the shire to erect such a tribute to the men who fought and fell, though similar monuments are to be built in nearly every town-ship.
A number of returned men were present in uniform, and when Brigadier Elliott arrived Lieut. McCrory called the parade to attention and paid the usual mark of respect. Cr. Leviston, shire president, after a brief address, introduced The Hon. J. E. Mackey, M.L.A., who, in the course of an interesting speech, referred to the work of the A.I.F., and congratulated the local people on the erection of such a fine and lasting memorial. Cr. Leviston then called on General Elliott to perform the unveiling ceremony. The gallant General, who was received with cheers, said he appreciated the honor accorded him in being asked to unveil the monument. It was necessary in the past for Australians to read the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and later Great Britain, for deeds of valor in time of war, but they could now find in the work of our own soldiers deeds which equalled any that history recorded. In a manner which thrilled his listeners because of his unassuming style, General Elliott told them of Lone Pine, of Fromelles, of Polygon Wood, and other places, which will live for ever in the memory of Australians. He related deeds of unsurpassed individual heroism and self-sacrifice. The anti-conscriptionists had said that the few thousands of extra Australians on the western front would make very little difference, but he proved to those present that this was an untruth. He has lost his young brother in France, and his wife had lost her only brother. But every man whose offer of sacrifice was accepted had helped to make Australia a great nation in the eyes of the world. It was an honor for them all to pay tribute to the memory of our heroes.
The General then removed theUnion Jack which draped the monument. The company stood with bared heads whilst "The Last Post" was sounded by Mr. Moore.
Cr. Campbell said he was a proud yet a sad man. His son laid down his life in France for his King and Empire, but it was good to know we had such men in our midst— men who thought Australia worth fighting and dying for. Had it been otherwise we would not be enjoying our present liberty, under the protection of the grand old flag. And it would have been a different Prince who would have visited us. He was pleased to meet General Elliott, who had proved himself a capable leader. It was a great comfort to parents to know that their boys were under the care of such fine men.
Captain Chaplain O'Sullivan congratulated the people of Yarragon on the erection of such a splendid monument. He said they were fortunate in having General Elliott, a maker of history, with them. The war had proven that men still had high ideals, that there shall be justice on earth, and that right shall prevail over might.
The gathering then dispersed.
The stone is a handsome and lasting monument, bearing on two sides the names of the following local soldiers who fell in action:—
D. Campbell
P. Curran
H. W. Dowton
F. Faulkner
G. L. Fowden
D. Grant
E. C. Hollier
F. Heywood
S. R. Matthews
E. McDonald
J. P. McLean
J. Monaghan
D. T. O'Toole
G. Pearson
R. Pearson
J. Pearson
W. Ralls
O. Sagasser
N. Tackaberry
R. J. Tilley
J. Tilley
R. Woof
J. Woods
On another side is the following
inscription:—
1920.
Erected by the Residents of Yarragon in honor of the men who served their country in the great war.
