Brunswick Junction turns out for Remembrance Day with new plaques unveiled to honour fallen soldiers

The Brunswick Junction community turned out en masse to pay their respects on Remembrance Day, with a special service unveiling 24 new plaques at the town’s war memorial.

Commissioned by the Brunswick Junction Lions Club, the new plaques commemorate eight soldiers killed in action during the First World War, 14 killed in the Second World War and two killed in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

The families of those who never returned to the town were invited to the unveiling, with the service the first held on Remembrance Day in Brunswick Junction since the first plaques were placed at the memorial in 2014.

Master of ceremonies Judy Talbot said she is very pleased with the new display.

“It’s beautiful,” she said.

“This is a great day for Brunswick.”

The Lions Club thanked the Shire of Harvey for the new garden beds, rose bushes and concrete walkway at the memorial, as well as Alcoa for providing financial support.

Club member Les Robinson said the new plaques would add to the original 13 previously on display at the memorial.

While the new plaques were being commissioned, the details of three other soldiers from Brunswick Junction were uncovered, with Mr Robinson stating those soldiers will have their plaques unveiled on Anzac Day.

Lions Club president Rob George said it was important to recognise all who had lost their lives, highlighting the sacrifice of many during the various wars.

“We always hear about the loss of life in the First World War but we don’t hear about the horrendous losses in the Second, particularly in our bomber command,” he said.

“Thousands and thousands perished in this, and in this district there were six young men who joined the command, but only four came home.”

Mr George said it was particularly important for young people today to recognise the sacrifice these men made.