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Honouring Our Heroes: The Flag Project at Brighton General Cemetery
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5 min read
Nestled in the heart of our community, the Brighton General Cemetery serves as a historical archive where many of our brave service members are remembered. The Brighton Cemetorians Inc., a dedicated group of volunteers, are working to promote the cemetery's rich heritage and the stories of those interred there. In partnership with the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), they have launched the Flag Project, an initiative aimed at honouring these heroes.
The Flag Project aims to honour and publicly commemorate our returned servicemen and women, and the role they had in representing Australia in war efforts. Each year, as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day approach, An SMCT staff member carefully inserts a sleeve at each veteran’s grave to hold an Australian, British, or New Zealand national flag. This act of remembrance is not just about marking a grave; it's a powerful symbol of recognition and respect for those who often do not meet the eligibility of the War Graves Commission and whose sacrifices might otherwise go unrecognised.
The Flag Project is designed to spread community awareness about the sacrifices made by our veterans and service personnel; and ensure their stories of bravery and service are not forgotten. Through this project, families and friends can display the pride they feel for their loved ones’ contributions to our nation's history. Further, the project acknowledges the role that cemeteries play in preserving the legacies of global events on local communities.
Bringing the Flag Project together has not been without hurdles. The Brighton Cemetorians have worked closely with SMCT to address legal and custodial concerns to undertake this project. Although SMCT immediately understood the importance of the project, it took 2 years before the logistics were organised, to ensure that the custodial duties of the SMCT were not overlooked. The Holder of Rights for each veteran’s grave had to be identified, and the flags for the project needed to be installed amongst heritage listed footpaths. The two organisations work closely as a cohesive team to ensure the continuation of this important project.
To bring this vision to life, the Brighton Cemetorians turned to Flagworld for durable, weather-resistant flags that could withstand the elements without disrupting the sanctity of the cemetery.
“As the traditional supplier of flags for the Australian community, Flagworld have a strong reputation as reliable suppliers of a sound product that was fair in price and quality”.
“Flagworld recommended the size and material that served us well. Some flags have been erected and removed five times, with little wear and tear being evidenced through the constant handling and storage of the flags.”
“The Brighton Cemetorians are very happy with the flags we have received. The customer service support is excellent, and any extra flags needed in a hurry have been quickly organised and despatched so the ceremonies could proceed. We have found everyone there a joy to work alongside.”
The perseverance of the Brighton Cemetorians and their partnership with the SMCT has paid off. The cemetery transforms during these commemorative periods, reflecting the collective effort of many who care deeply about this cause. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with families expressing gratitude for the recognition of their loved ones' service. This gratitude is echoed at each commemoration ceremony, attended by dignitaries and community members alike, reinforcing the significance of this heartfelt project.
“The grounds of the cemetery always look amazing more so when it is Commemoration time – the grounds people work tirelessly – a great credit to them.”
“The genuine gratitude from the families and friends that the Cemetery is actively reminding the community of the importance these veterans played in protecting Australian and Commonwealth interests overseas and on the home front.”
“The regular return of some families each year has built a strong connection between the Brighton Cemetorians Inc., SMCT and the families who are now more engaged in the operation and the aims of the cemetery.”
“The invitation for Mayors of Glen Eira and Bayside Councils, various state MPs, the State President and Treasurer of the Victorian RSL, and the growing Australian Defence Force representation at each ceremony has raised the profile of the Brighton Cemetery and also reinforced how important this patriotic ceremony is to the wider political and defence community.”
As the project progresses, it faces the ongoing challenges of recruiting volunteers to assist in the placing and removal of the flags at each graveside twice a year and raising funds for new flags, poles, and sleeves. With over 2,100 veterans currently housed at the cemetery, and plans to continue honouring new interments, community involvement is crucial. At its current rate, the project anticipates extending over the next 20 years, and many of the volunteers at Brighton Cemetorians will not see its completion. The Brighton Cemetorians welcome donations and volunteer support to maintain the momentum of this meaningful project.