"Between 1914 and 1918 some 112,399 Victorians enlisted to fight in the First World War. Those who died from causes associated with battle are commemorated by the War Graves Commission.
Those who returned and then lived out their lives in the community, and are buried in our cemeteries, are not recognised unless their family has recorded this fact in their inscription. Many graves have been forgotten by families over the years and have become neglected. Younger family members may be unaware that their ancestors served at all unless their family memories and history are strong.
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT), in conjunction with the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL Victorian Branch), wants to encourage families to renew their links to their family members who enlisted in the Great War and to urge them to place a permanent record of their service on their gravesite.
From March 2014, the GMCT plans to make available a decorative packed kit which will include two small, highly glazed white porcelain tiles with a striking red Flanders Poppy printed onto the surface in a slightly raised finish. The packaging will feature the original Flanders Poem plus the Ode of Remembrance and show images of the Flanders Fields. The package has been designed with the assistance and support of the RSL".
