World War 2 – Yaninee Institute.1925.

Yaninee Institutes Roll of Honour was recently added to the Virtual War Memorial.

Link to Yaninee Institute Roll of Honour webpage

“Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) is an outstanding commemorative collection, purpose built to honour the personal experiences of all those who have served the nation in times of conflict, from the Boer War through to Afghanistan. It pays special honour to those who lost their lives as a result of their service and equally honours those who returned, forever changed.” © vwma.org.au

The Rolls of Honour were made to acknowledge and recognise the sacrifice of those who served our country during the Second World War. They were made within 5 years of the end of the conflict. Communities would fund raise to purchase the display and the names listed were nominated by those in the community.

The Yaninee Roll of Honour has 35 names listed. Most names have a corresponding page on the VWMA website outlining where they were from, where they enlisted and how long they served. One of those listed is still alive today, Gordon Keith Post. Unfortunately there are several soldiers listed that we don’t have any details. We would like to know more about the brave individuals who fought for our country and are honoured in our town, so if you or your family have any information about those on the Yaninee Roll of Honour, please contact us.

Not a Hero

by Clyde Hamilton

The ANZAC Day march was over -the old Digger had done his best.

His body ached from marching -it was time to sit and rest.

He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head.

A young boy passing saw him -approached and politely said,

“Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for?

Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?”

Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit.

Eagerly the lad accepted -he had not expected this!

“First of all I was not a hero,” said the old Digger in solemn tone,

“But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.

So when you talk of heroes, it’s important to understand,

The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.

“The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect

.All diggers wear them on ANZAC Day -it shows they don’t forget.

“The old digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.

Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.

He told him he could keep them -to treasure throughout his life,

A legacy of a kind -left behind -paid for in sacrifice.

Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless -he couldn’t find words to say.

It was there the old Digger left him -going quietly on his way.

In the distance the young boy glimpsed him -saw him turn and wave goodbye.

Saddened he sat alone on the bench -tears welled in his eyes.

He never again saw him ever -but still remembers with pride,

When the old Digger told him of Heroes and a young boy sat and cried.

Category: World War 2

WWII Role of Honour

LEST WE FORGET