A towering sandstone pillar stands before us. This is the Woy Woy War Memorial. It’s a silent sentinel a testament to sacrifice.
The Woy Woy War Memorial isn’t just a monument. It’s a living history book. Dedicated on October 19 1932 it honors those who served. The sandstone cenotaph bears the poignant inscription ‘Lest we forget’. This simple phrase carries the weight of countless stories.
More than just a cenotaph the memorial includes plaques. These plaques remember individual veterans and service organizations. One plaque commemorates John Joseph Jack Ryan a Gallipoli veteran. Another honors the Ettalong War Widows Guild Club. A third acknowledges the HMAS Hawkesbury. These small details paint vivid pictures of lives touched by war.
The memorial itself is a work of art. Created by T Andrews & Sons of Lidcombe it’s a tapered sandstone pillar. It sits atop a sandstone pedestal. Four white marble panels adorn the pedestal. One panel is the dedication plaque. Others list those who served in the First and Second World Wars. Three smaller tablets remember those who served in the Korean War Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War.
The unveiling ceremony took place on August 23 1925. That’s almost a decade before the official dedication. The discrepancy between the construction and dedication dates is a small mystery. It adds another layer to the story of this memorial.
In 2021 the Woy Woy War Memorial underwent conservation work. This work was supported by a Community War Memorials Fund grant. It ensured the memorial will continue to stand as a symbol of remembrance for generations to come.
Stand here for a moment. Feel the weight of history. Let the names etched in stone whisper their stories. The Woy Woy War Memorial is more than stone and inscription. It’s a connection to the past a tribute to courage and a reminder of peace.