Opposition fails to stop strong war memorial support
Opposition fails to stop strong war memorial support
More than 300 people were present to witness Assyrian church Metropolitan Mar Meelis Zaia AM unveil the plaque shortly after delivering a prayer. Speeches were also given by leaders of the community, local Liberal councillors and NSW Liberal MLC’s as well as Australian Business Party President Joseph Adams. Members of the Assyrian community were brought to tears when John Savige and Dr Lindsay Grigg, the nephew’s of the late Lt General Sir Stanley Savige and Captain Nicol MC spoke about their uncle’s efforts which helped save more than 40,000 Assyrian refugees. The Catafalque party from the Australian Military was also present and the last post was played followed by a one minute silence. Assyrian levies veterans then laid wreaths in honor of their fallen brothers.
A graduation ceremony was also held after the plaque opening for the Assyrian Eagle Scouts, which was founded this year by the Assyrian Levies Association lead by Gaby Kiwarkis.
“The plaque was opposed but, because of the will of the community and their endless support for this project and for the Levies veterans, we were able to finally open the memorial”, Gaby Kiwarkis said.
The plaque was originally rejected by Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich because he believed the community did not support the project. In late February more than 300 members of the Fairfield Assyrian community stunned council by attending a council meeting in which Labor Councillors tried to amend the application for the plaque. This triggered an hour long protest by angered members of the community.
The memorial plaque was funded and supported by Assyrian Levies association, Australian Assyrian Association, Assyrian Sports and cultural club, Assyrian Barwar Association and Assyrian community.
Comments
uwfwrestler posts
It was fantastic to see this worthy project finally achieved, after all the opposition and game playing from the local Labor Party. Well done to everyone who pushed this issue and won.
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