Geraldton to plant 139 Lone Pine trees in recognition of local veterans

Residents can now pay tribute to those who served in World War I at a garden of Lone Pine trees near Geraldton’s back beach.

The City of Greater Geraldton made a commitment ahead of Anzac Day to plant 139 Lone Pines at the Leonard T. Green Memorial Park, with 60 trees planted this week.

An additional 79 are still growing at the community nursery and will be installed at the park once established.

The trees descend from the Gallipoli Lone Pine, which gives its name to one of the battles that occurred during WWI on the Gallipoli peninsular.

City of Greater Geraldton representatives and Geraldton RSL sub-branch members attended a planting ceremony at the park on Thursday.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said the trees had been growing for several years and it was a “special sight” to see them planted.

“These trees acknowledge the sacrifice the Anzacs made for others and I look forward to them growing big and strong in our community for years to come,” he said.

Geraldton RSL vice-president Ken Morris said locals need only look to the nightly news to recognise the value of the sacrifice made by those who had fought for Australia.

“I think you just have to look at what is happening in Europe at the moment with Russia and the Ukraine to realise the importance of maintaining morale amongst our armed forces and commemorating those who gave their lives for Australia,” he said.

“We are the free Western country that we are not because of politicians but because of soldiers and soldiers and the people who have given their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.”