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Moama honours those who served and died in war

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Lest we forget: Alan Culph was a flag bearer at the 2022 Moama Remembrance Day commemorative service. Photo by Steve Huntley

Surrounded by roses the colour of crimson, community members and veterans united in silence as they paused to remember the sacrifices of those who have served and died in war.

It was the first time a remembrance ceremony has been held at the new Moama RSL Memorial Gardens, which have been designed to pay homage to all three branches of the defence forces — the Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force.

Sub-branch president Ken Jones said he was pleased that the gardens could be used as a space to reflect and preserve memories of veterans who have put their lives on the line.

“We made a promise to remember those who served and those who died. And for more than a hundred years we have kept that promise,” Mr Jones said.

Remembering our fallen veterans: Special guest and former editor of The Riv Andrew Mole shared his own story of coincidental connection through service. Photo by Steve Huntley

Special guest and former editor of The Riv Andrew Mole shared his own story of coincidental connection through service.

He spoke of the time he authored an article, which detailed the story of his great-uncle Clinton Carlisle Tainsh, who was shot down on the Western Front in 1917.

After the article was published, Mr Mole was contacted by the Nicholson family who had its own story about Clinton Tainsh.

In 2015, more than 102,000 poppies — each with a fallen soldier’s name — were planted in Penrith, Western Sydney, as part of a memorial called Poppy Park.

The family purchased a randomly selected poppy from the park that was boxed and sent out to them.

Inscribed on the Nicholsons’ poppy was Clinton Tainsh’s name.

Through this bizarre chance event, two families would revive the memory of a long lost soldier who sacrificed his life for the nation.

It is a tale that truly aligned with the spirit of Remembrance Day.

Paying his respects: Ken Gage at the Moama Remembrance Day commemorative service. Photo by Steve Huntley
Remembering their plight: Pam Culph says she has six brothers who served in World War II that she was thinking of during the Moama Remembrance Day commemorative service. Photo by Steve Huntley
In bloom: Almost 100 people showed up to Moama’s Remembrance Day — the first ceremony to be held at the Moama RSL Memorial Gardens. Photo by Steve Huntley
In good company: Rupe Adams was surrounded by a community of veterans at the 2022 Moama Remembrance Day. Photo by Steve Huntley
Salute: Vice president of the Moama RSL sub-branch Bruce Smith at the 2022 Moama Remembrance Day. Photo by Steve Huntley
Honouring those who’ve fallen: Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey laid down his wreath at the 2022 Moama Remembrance Day ceremony. Photo by Steve Huntley