Kyabram’s connection to the Lone Pine runs strong and deep.
And now, a permanent reminder of the man who helped solidify that link has emerged at the very spot where local history was made.
It was cold and rainy as Alwyn Drysdale unveiled a statue of her husband — but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
On Tuesday, August 20, Kyabram P-12 College hosted an intimate ceremony in front of its Lone Pine tree, where a short list of veterans and their family members were present to commemorate the actions of Robert ‘Lone Pine Bob’ Drysdale.
More than two decades ago, an Aleppo pine seed was planted at the college: the seed both a descendant of the famous Lone Pine tree that originally stood on Turkish soil and a reminder of the soldiers that lost their lives on that very earth.
Now the tree stands higher than the school itself and situated under the shade of the slightly bent trunk is a tribute to Lone Pine Bob, and to the Anzacs that lost their lives.
Kyabram Legacy secretary Gavon Armstong spoke at the unveiling of the statue about Mr Drysdale, who was president of the group in 1998, and his idea to bring a Aleppo seed to Kyabram.
“I found the first mention of a Lone Pine in the minutes of the meeting in May 1998, the year that Bob was president, and the minute books record that a Lone Pine seedling was to be planted in the Ky area, and naturally it was moved by Bob,” he said.
“As we say, the rest is history, but without Bob sewing the original idea … what we’ve got here today might not have eventuated.”
Chaplain Liz Spicer also spoke, noting that the rain could be seen as a blessing from God.
“(The statue) symbolises that we are able to have the life we have and the life we enjoy because of those who fought and went before us,” she said.
“We thank Bob and Legacy and RSL and the school for commemorating this time in our history, and it will continue on with our younger ones who are here learning more stories.”
One such young one was Kyabram P-12 College captain Michael Keegan, who read the poem Fallen Soldier written by Grahame Watt 25 years ago about the Lone Pine tree.
Following the reading, all eyes turned to the Australian flag, raised just slightly off the ground, which disguised the figure of the man that started it all.
Mrs Drysdale, now 97 years old and residing at Warramunda, pulled the flag off, revealing the metal structure of Bob Drysdale kneeling at the roots of the trunk in his hat, which features a plume representing his time in the Light Horse Brigade.
Generations of Drysdales, including Mrs Drysdale’s daughter Janice MacPherson, son Ian Drysdale, grand-daughter Lisa Drysdale and great-great grandson Lachy Finn, were present with her at the ceremony.
The family supplied the words written on the plaque in front of the memorial.
The plaque reads: “Lieutenant Robert S Drysdale (VX51827). Affectionately known as Lone Pine Bob. He was responsible for the planting of eleven Lone Pine trees in Kyabram and surrounding towns. This tree was the first to be planted in 1998. Bob wanted the trees to be a living memorial to remind future generations of the sacrifice made by many men and women in all wars to make Australia the most wonderful free country that it is today. This statue was donated by the Chaplaincy. 2024.”
The group then escaped the cold weather and enjoyed a warm morning tea inside.
Community members will have an opportunity to see the statue at the Lone Pine ceremony being held at Kyabram P-12 College on Thursday, September 5.