The two remaining founding members of Morpeth RSL Sub-branch say a grove of newly planted fig trees will be a special feature of the village’s war memorial for generations to come.
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Harold Wallis and Ted Cant were involved in the planting of 43 grevilleas in the 1960s as a memorial to the town’s men and women who served during World War II.
More than 40 years on, a series of fig trees have been planted along Edward Close Boulevard by the Morpeth Anzac Day Committee, Maitland City Council and developer Lend Lease.
“It’s a pretty good idea,” 89-year-old Mr Cant, who served in New Guinea during World War II, said.
“They’ll create a good avenue up there,” 90-year-old Mr Wallis, who fought in Laos, said.
The figs will replace the grevilleas and in years to come form a tunnel leading up to the sandstone memorial and a brass plaque to be unveiled on Remembrance Day.
The men, who have known each other for several decades and lived in the village for a combined 150 years, agreed the community spirit in Morpeth was strong, especially when it came to commemorating the efforts of its servicemen and women.
“I’d certainly agree there is a very strong sense of community here,” Mr Wallis said.
The trees and a new brass plaque will be unveiled in a Remembrance Day Service at the memorial on Sunday, November 11 at 11am.
