Service of Remembrance a chance to reflect on Livingstone’s strong ties with US forces
Back
Livingstone residents are invited to attend a Service of Remembrance at St Christopher’s Chapel on Tuesday, 4 July, 2023, to celebrate the strong bonds of friendship between Central Queensland and US forces during WWII.
Every year, a Service of Remembrance is held at Nerimbera’s St Christopher’s Chapel, which was constructed from locally found stone and bush timber by the 41st Ship and Shore Division, serving as a non-denominational place of worship for soldiers far from home seeking spiritual comfort.
This year marks a significant milestone in the chapel’s history, being 80 years since it was built in 1943.
Mayor Andy Ireland said the chapel and its story held a strong significance to many people in the area, with its importance embedded in the Shire’s rich history.
“This service gives residents and those with a connection to the chapel the opportunity to remember and reflect on the important role the chapel played during the second World War,” Mayor Ireland said.
“The chapel is symbolic of the close relationship Australia has with US defence forces, and what that meant for so many soldiers during this difficult period steeped in our nation’s history.”
While the service is commonly held on a Sunday closest to 4 July, Mayor Ireland although he understood this year’s decision to hold the service on the day itself is a break from tradition, there were several reasons for the change.
“This year will mark the 80th anniversary of the construction of St Christopher’s Chapel, and we deemed it to be more meaningful to both the community and visiting dignitaries from the United States to hold this important event on the date which closely reflected the anniversary,” Mayor Ireland said.
“With it also being school holidays, we were hoping more families would be available to attend the service where the next generation can find out more about how Livingstone Shire and St Christopher’s Chapel played an integral part in fostering positive relations between Australia and the United States.”
Next year, the Independence Day Service will revert to its original day, the Sunday before the 4th of July.
Between mid-1942 and early 1944, the area surrounding Rockhampton sustained thousands of US soldiers who were fighting in the Pacific.
Erected within Area ‘A’ of Camp Nerimbera (a convalescent camp for US personnel) in 1943, by the US 542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, the chapel was constructed using timber roof trusses and stones that were collected from the surrounding area.
During the peak time of the American occupation there were over 70,000 American troops stationed in the Rockhampton area.
Mayor Ireland said Council was proud to continue be the caretakers of the chapel, ensuring it’s preserved for future generations to experience as a tangible piece of the Shire’s history.
“The service is always very well-attended, with many locals dedicated to keeping the story of the chapel alive and remembering those American servicemen who dedicated their lives to fighting for our nations freedom,” Mayor Ireland said.
The service will commence at 9.30am at St Christopher’s Chapel, Nerimbera.