| Re-dedication of Private
Storey's headstone - Zonnebeke - 30/09/2008 On September 30 1917, 21-year-old
Australian soldier Private George Richard Storey fell in the Battle of Polygon
Wood, and now his family has been able to pay their respects at his gravesite
on the anniversary of his death. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel,
the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, attended the Buttes New British
Cemetery, Belgium, where the headstone 'Known unto God' was today re-dedicated
to Private Storey. "This has been a long journey for Private Storey's
family, particularly his two nephews who are here today, and I am pleased they
now have the opportunity to lay this brave soldier to rest under a named headstone,"
Minister Snowdon said. "The commemoration of our war dead is a significant
responsibility that the Government takes very seriously, and moments like this
confirm the importance of honouring our fallen soldiers." During the
intimate ceremony, the celebrant officially dedicated Private Storey's headstone,
and the Australian Army's Major General Mike O'Brien recited the Ode following
a moving rendition of the Last Post. The service complemented the full-military
funeral which took place when Private Storey's remains were re-interred, along
with four of his comrades', last
October. "The ceremony to re-dedicate Private Storey's headstone
was a dignified event which recognised his sacrifice on behalf of the Australian
nation," Minister Snowdon said. "The memory of this brave young
man, and the loss borne by his family, will live on for future generations, and
it was my great honour to join his relatives here today." Minister
Snowdon is in Belgium to attend Private Storey's re-dedication ceremony, and will
also take the opportunity to lay a wreath at Menin Gate during the daily commemorative
service.
The
Last Post by the buglers of the Last Post Association. 
Thanks
to Marnik Vanderper for the pictures. Deze rubriek staat open voor iedereen.
Ook jij kunt foto's doorsturen voor de rubriek "Je was er bij". Ons adres: info@westhoek.be Everyone
can send pictures for the pages "You were there". Our address: info@westhoek.be | 
