It was supposed to be the war to end all wars but the memory of those who fought and died will never be forgotten.
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The Maitland Regional Art Gallery held a tree planting ceremony to commemorate 100 years since the beginning of World War I.
Guests attended the gallery on Friday for the planting of two red cedar trees as bells rang out across the city at 11am to mark the start of the Great War.
Councillor Steve Procter and the presidents of the East Maitland and Maitland RSL sub-branches, Peter Hedges and Eric Bell, spoke informatively and movingly to the crowd a century on from one of the most devastating conflicts in human history.
The red cedar trees were chosen for their synonymy with World War I, their red colour symbolising courage and bravery, a lasting reminder of the unique qualities that helped forge the spirit of Anzac.
Maitland City council community planning coordinator Mary Dallow said it was important to acknowledge the memory of those who served.
“There were lots of men and women there who had memories and experiences of World War I and wars that have since | followed,” she said.
“They spoke about how the first World War was to be the war to end all wars and in today’s climate I think it’s important to remember.”
