There was an article on Radio New Zealand about Oamaru's Memorial Oaks recently! (in the news again)..In 1919 locals planted 400 oak trees in North Otago, one for every serviceman from the district killed during the war. They were planted in the form of a wheel, the hub being in central Oamaru, and radiating out both north and south into the countryside (where they were planted at one-mile intervals). Where possible, the oaks were planted near the home of the serviceman they commemorated.
While many of the trees flourished, disease, road works and vehicle crashes took a toll of others. In the early 1990s North Otago groups began to replace the old wooden marker posts with more durable white concrete crosses. Said to be the biggest World War One memorial in NZ. This is one just down the road from our home. I quite liked the bare tree shadow on the road behind it.
Three good things:
Struggling a bit here....
1. I learnt my cousin died in Russia three days ago. Her mother was my mother's sister and the two of them took off in 1929 to travel to Britain and explore. I feel I got to know her from transcribing my mother's travel diaries.
2. Prickles in fingers but finished rose pruning.
3. 365 cheers me up when I read such as Ruth (@ruthmouch) has posted about the generosity of people under difficult circumstances.
I had o idea Oamaru had this wonderful war memorial! What a great idea and even greater that it is still being preserved and considered by the local people. Sorry to hear of your cousin Maggie-mae.
one tree for every dead serviceman. that is such a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives so that we could have peace in our lifetime. wonderful idea and even more wonderful memorial. i think all servicemen deserve at least a tree in their honour. my condolences on the death of your cousin.
@summerfield They (Oamaru) are going to put up information boards about these trees and their memory importance to those who don't know about them - and that included my sister who grew up here!
@grammyn not really as Aunt Louie left my Mom in England to go and live in Russia and never left! There was one visit from Anne, her daughter, to NZ when they got permission to leave! It's just the thought!
@lynnb@chard You are both so good to remember something like that on just one posting. Yes there was a visit but it was my cousin's daughter and her daughter. I haven't seen Anne for about 30 years!
Interesting. We have a dedicated Oak Tree Memorial as well where I work, dedicated to every Mason that died in the World War (a specific time period). It is really nice.
Sory to hear that news Maggie but glad your mother left you a way of feeling a bond with a cousin that you may never have had. and fascinating info about the trees.
What a lovely idea for a living memorial (and great capture with the strong shadow) and I am glad it is being renewed/regenerated - in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 next year
Beautiful shadow of that tree and heartwarming that people are still concerned to take action to mark those men's (and their families') sacrifices.
Sorry for your loss, Maggie.
Interesting to hear about your cousin after reading about her & your mothers amazing travels ...we feel we know a bit about her already!! An oak is a very fitting tribute!
July 16th, 2013
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Sorry to hear about your cousin, Maggiemae.
I have been thinking so much about your three things--such a great thing to stay positive. I appreciate you for that!!!
Beautiful shot and a wonderful tribute to the servicemen x
Sorry for your loss, Maggie.