More Info →Shannon - WWI Commemoration

Description

Another in which Shannon remembers the War is through the RSA and the yearly service on Anzac Day.

The War Memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, 25 April 1924 (as shown in the photo on the left), after several years of planning, considering proposals and yet more planning. The War Memorial Hall was also several years in the making, being built in 1954, after much fundraising and many hours of voluntary labour. When opened, the celebrations were spread over a full week. The decision to build it came because of two different reasons - the Druids Hall was privately owned, and thus not a community amenity, and the desire to erect a suitable memorial to those who had lost their

lives in the wars, especially the Second World War. The section in Grey Street, upon which it is situated, was donated by Mr and Mrs John Roach, a subsidy was received from the Government War Memorial Committee, and the Shannon RSA raised almost £400 in one week.

The Shannon Returned Services Association was formed soon after the conclusion of World War One, for the welfare of returned serviceman, and as a way of keeping in contact with wartime friends. The Shannon RSA was formed in 1919, as a sub-branch of the Levin association, with 25 members. Unfortunately, in 1933 the RSA records were lost in a fire, but the later records are still intact. The RSA have been responsible for the rehabilitation and settlement of returned servicemen after WWII, with the post war years bringing membership to a peak of 228 in 1946. With no global conflicts for over forty years, the membership of the RSA is understandably dwindling. Members meet every Friday evening for a chat, but Anzac Day is still the highlight of the year.

Anzac Day, which originally commemorated the fallen Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, has now widened to become a national day of remembrance for those who have served in all wars. Early Anzac days consisted of a street parade of ex-servicemen, the laying of wreaths at the two war memorials, followed by a service in the Renown Theatre and a lunch provided by the Women’s Institute, but the format for recent years replaces the indoor service and luncheon with a short open air service and a light lunch at the club rooms. The annual sale of poppies in the week before Anzac Day provides the funds for welfare services.

Identification

Date

1989