THE memory of more than 200 Footscray area servicemen and servicewomen who died in World Wars I and II is being honoured through a new Footscray memorial garden.
The garden was officially unveiled last week to coincide with Anzac Day.
Maribyrnong Council embarked on the $380,000 garden in response to development encroaching on the original Avenue of Honour, created along Geelong Road in 1947.
Commemorative plaques were collected and moved to a ceremonial terrace in the garden.
John McAsey, whose cousin Albert Rayner died on the hospital ship the Centaur on May 14, 1943, said it was a tremendous memorial.
“I went up there and I couldn’t believe what they had done and what had been recovered. It was actually a tremendous effort from all the people who put in the time to find those original plaques and lay plaques there for the people whose plaques they didn’t find.
“Albert was born about 400 metres from where his plaque commemorates his death forever.”
Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming said the garden provided a direct link to the city’s past.
“With the loss of the original Avenue of Honour trees, the memorial plaques were no longer visible, so I’m pleased that council has been able to provide them with a new home where they can be seen by the community.”
Cr Cumming said the garden provided a space for private reflection as well as commemorative ceremonies to honour those who had died and suffered in wars.
The garden is in Footscray Park at the corner of Mills Close and Geelong Road.
