SINGLETON RSL Sub-Branch took a unique approach to honouring past servicemen and women last week, visiting the town’s cemeteries and adorning their graves with Australian flags and poppies.
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The idea came from Sub-Branch member Leroy Palmer, who had to do plenty of research, with help from fellow member George Standen and Phil Fletcher from Partridge Brothers.
“Many of the people who came back didn’t have the rising sun badge on their grave, so we had to do a lot of research to make sure we didn’t miss anyone from any conflict,” Mr Palmer said.
A practice run last week before they headed out on Friday took more than seven hours to complete.
Sub-Branch members, along with volunteers, jumped in a Rural Fire Service mini bus driven by Tony Leonard for a tour of town’s cemeteries including Sedgefield, Glenridding and Whittingham.
Volunteer on the trip Tony Garland took part to pay respect to his great grandfather gunner Soloman Leslie Garland, who served in both World War I and II.
“We knew he was involved but are now researching his efforts, he was only 21 when he left for WWI,” Mr Garland said.
AGL Lake Macquarie provided $2000 for the purchase of the flags and poppies.
Other sponsors were Bunnings, Glade Manufactures and Flag Bazaar.
