AUSTRALIA’S first Cor Infinitus memorial has been unveiled today (10 September) at Townsville’s Anzac Park.
The memorial was created as part of a new national initiative created by Kevin Humphreys to pay respect to veterans lost to suicide after serving their country.
Mr. Humphreys said he hoped the addition of the memorial at Anzac Park would help provide comfort to the families of veterans who had lost loved ones to mental health battles.
“This memorial doesn’t represent individual people, eras, campaigns, or circumstances. It is anonymous and owned by all families of those lost to mental health battles,” he said.
“We have worked with the families of veterans who have taken their own lives as well as other specialist advisors to create the first Cor Infinitus memorial.”
The memorial’s plaque is inscribed with the message: “Dedicated to all those who served our nation and were overwhelmed by the battle within. Lest We Forget.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Townsville City Council was proud to support Cor Infinitus.
“As a garrison city, it is incredibly important that we support our veterans and their loved ones. Being home to the first Cor Infinitus memorial is very special for Townsville, and I am sure that it will help bring peace and healing for many families, partners, and friends of veterans who have lost their lives to mental health battles,” Cr Hill said.
“I would invite those loved ones to not only come and visit the memorial but to reach out to each other for support. There is no shame in losing a loved one to suicide, and there is no shame in asking for help from your loved ones and your community.”
Federal Member for Herbert and veteran Phillip Thompson said the memorial was a fitting tribute.
“For me this is personal. I’ve buried too many of my mates who have died from suicide. Too many mums and dads have buried too many sons and daughters who have died from suicide,” he said.
“We need to break the stigma, we need people to know that it’s ok not to be ok, it’s ok to speak out and get support, and I think this memorial goes a long way to helping achieve that.”
The Cor Infinitus memorial is located at Anzac Park, part of the outer circle of plinths surrounding the cenotaph.
Any queries about Cor Infinitus can be emailed to assistance@corinfinitus.org.