Flame tree planted as reminder of Afghan sacrifice
A SYMBOLIC flame tree was planted at the Avenue of Honour yesterday - the first of 60 that will create an area of shade and contemplation at the Afghan war memorial on the shores of Lake Tinaroo.
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rosa Lee Longsaid the Avenue of Honour would forever be a memorial of local, international and national significance.
"It is something for everyone who served in Afghanistan and for those who have not returned; it is a memorial to all those who have been lost," she said.
About 30 people attended the ceremony in tribute to Diggers who have died in Afghanistan.
Gordon Chuck, with wife Susan and daughter Tiffany, spoke proudly of his son Ben, who died with two Australian commandos in a helicopter crash in June 2010.
The avenue follows the funeral route taken by the military gun carriage that carried Pte Chuck's remains. Mr Chuck said he had approved the design of the monument.
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All honour: Gordon Chuck, father of fallen soldier Pte Ben Chuck, and Tablelands Mayor Rosa Lee Long at the tree-planting ceremony. Picture: DARRYL DAY
