Commemoration ceremonies
Below is information about each of the official Days of Commemoration and other commemorative activities that take place on the Southern Downs.
Armistice Day - 11th November
Armistice Day is the main day of commemoration for the Amiens History Association. We exist to not only honour the memory of the men and women from the Granite Belt who served in WWI and never came home, but we also exist to commemorate those who did return and participated in the Pikedale Soldier Settlement Scheme.
Until the Amiens Legacy Centre is fully open to the public, we are unable to host public attended commemoration ceremonies at the Centre.
But watch this space ... it won't be long until we can.
ANZAC Day - 25th April
ANZAC day is well supported in Stanthorpe. ANZAC day commemoration ceremonies can be found on the Southern Downs Regional Council website.
The dawn service for Stanthorpe is usually held in Weroona Park, Marsh St, the gunfire breakfast is usually held at the Stanthorpe RSL, Marsh St and the parade is usually held in the main street of town, Maryland St.
Click on www.sdrc.com.au to find out more information about ANZAC day services on the Southern Downs
St Deny's Anglican Church - 17 Trevethan Lane, Amiens
St Denys Anglican Church is a small timber church, built in 1923 to serve the returned soldiers and their families who were participating in the Pikedale Soldier Settlement Scheme. The church has survived many long years servicing the community of Amiens and beyond.
Maintenance of the church has been undertaken by volunteer groups where many of the members are descendants of the original soldier settlers. Currently the church does not have a resident priest, but is serviced as part of the Anglican parish of Stanthorpe.
On the third Sunday in November each year, the congregation commemorates the strong connection with France, by holding a Poppy Month Commemoration Service.
Soldier's Memorial - Lock St, Stanthorpe
A white cottage-like pavilion, nestled in a rocky park, provides visitors with a chance to take in the panorama of Stanthorpe and remember the legacy left by men from this area in WWI.
Soldier hero Major General Sir William Glasgow officially opened this soldiers' memorial on 6 February 1926.
Slatted bench seating inside provides a place to ponder the impact a war on the other side of the world had on this farming community. Five WWI honour boards record the names in alphabetical order, without rank or honour, all are revered equally. Another is reserved for those who died, raised letters stating: 'To the memory of our gallant boys who fell in the world's war 1914-1919'. Further honour boards have been added, remembering later conflicts.
Source: https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/stanthorpe-soldiers-memorial
Ballandean Pyramid
The Ballandean Pyramid is a man-made stone pyramid near the small village of Ballandean, Queensland, Australia. The pyramid is approximately 15 metres in height and built from local granite rocks. Usually it is not open to the public as it is on private property belonging to a local vineyard (Henty Estate) and is approximately 25 metres from the nearest road.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballandean_Pyramid
Now on ANZAC Day each year, a commemoration ceremony is held at sunset where a lone soldier stands atop the peak of the pyramid holding an Australian flag.
Image: Shane Andersen Photography