Lasting tribute: A Memorial Service to honour Hec Waller, was held at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday. Turn to page 4 for more photos.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Half mast: The Australian flag was raised during the service.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
A Memorial Service to honour distinguished Benalla naval officer Hec Waller, was held at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday, February 27.
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Hec Waller had an eminent naval career that culminated in him being lost at sea in 1942.
A lasting memorial in the gardens features a granite base with bronze swirl, depicting the disturbance made by a ship sinking below the water.
A brass sailor and captains cap are partially submerged in the rock with remembrance poppies not only in honour of Captain Waller, but to others lost at sea.
Members of Benalla RSL were joined by Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn, Cr Danny Claridge, representatives from several local groups and members of the public at the service.
It featured prayers and speeches from locals who had served their country.
And was concluded with a flag raising before Benalla RSL member Delano Dube sang the Australian and American national anthems.
Remembering: Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Allies: Benalla’s Del Dube sang the Australian and American National Anthems.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Showing respect: An RSL member lays a wreath at the cenotaph.
Never forget: Representatives of a number of local groups laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Benalla RSL: Former President Jeff Lewis at the memorial.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Solemn: Members of the community with Cr Danny Claridge and Mayor Bernie Hearn at the service.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Respect: A lone trumpet player at the service.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
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