Lest we forget: indigenous diggers still fighting
Friday, April 11th, 2008Paul Bibby; 10/4/08
Draft design . . . campaigners want the monument to reflect the indigenous connection to the land as well as the heroism of the Aboriginal people. There is one in almost every suburban centre and country town in Australia - a bronze digger in a slouch hat or a sandstone monument marking the sacrifice made by Australia’s servicemen and women. But missing from the weather-worn plaques listing those who served in war are the names of many of the indigenous diggers who fought alongside them. Aborigines have fought in every major war the nation has been involved in since federation. Yet, until Vietnam, all but a handful were shunned upon returning home: denied veterans’ benefits and a place beside their mates on the honour roll. Now, more than 100 years after they first donned the uniform, Australia’s indigenous diggers could finally be recognised in bronze with Sydney’s first indigenous war memorial.
