Price of War - Mudgeeraba, Queensland, Australia
S 28° 04.745 E 153° 21.907
56J E 535873 N 6893982
This plaque is at the front of the Mudgeeraba RSL and Memorial Hall.
Waymark Code: WM17TC6
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date Posted: 04/01/2023
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The Non-Specific War Memorial plaque is more unique in that is cast in the shape of 'mainland Australia'. [Unfortunately my location photo of the plaque does not do it justice and show the island State of Tasmania.] It is on a light brown rectangular block of stone (looks like sandstone), to the left of the entrance of the Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, set in the landscaped garden. On the right-hand side of the entrance is a Nautical Flag Pole; and down the alley to the left of the plaque, at the lower rear of the Memorial Hall is the entrance for the RSL (Returned Services League). The inscription cast on the bronze plaque that was placed on ANZAC Day 2015 reads:
The Price of War
From Gallipoli to Afghanistan and Beyond
On this ANZAC dawn after the bugle sings
Heads are bowed as the sacred silence begins
Sweethearts fondly recall that final embrace
Grieving mothers stare at an empty space
Many still see a young familiar smiling face
Innocent and eager in pursuit of life's race
Suddenly swept away by Mars' feverish pace.
The sweet calming silence has now come to pass
Our proud banner is slowly raised to full mast
The busy pulse of our Nation returns with a blast
Politicians leave false promises in forgotten parcels
Before returning to their rich secure brick castles
Old soldiers slowly depart but who knows where
Cursed with repetitive nightmares and a distant stare.
The parks are empty now and wreaths wither in the sun
With notes of love to Australia's fallen daughters/sons
Who as infants played there until the day was done
Flesh and blood that mothers gave, some more than one
Bot look, now children arrive, run, skip, laugh and play
Above them dark evil clouds are rumbling this very day
Oh, what a terrible price in war our young Nation does pay.
[Brigadier George Mansford AM]
Placed by the Hall Trustees on behalf of the Springbrook and Mudgeeraba communities.
Address: 62 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba, Queensland, 4213
Visited: 0753, Tuesday, 14 June, 2022