South Australians came together on 10 December 2019 to celebrate the centenary of the Darwin landing and re-dedicate the Sir Ross Smith Memorial Statue, created following his tragic death in 1922. The event, hosted by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor and History Trust of SA Chief Executive Greg Mackie OAM, was held in Creswell Gardens beside Adelaide Oval. This site was chosen for the monument in the 1920s to symbolise the aviator’s love of South Australia, his service and sacrifice, and his sporting prowess.
Following the re-dedication ceremony, a celebratory morning tea was held at the Torrens Parade Ground Drill Hall to toast the Smith crew and their pioneering achievement 100 years earlier.
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Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le, AC is greeted by Senior Australian Defence Force Officer – South Australia, Air Commodore Phil Gordon during the Sir Ross Smith Monument Re-Dedication Ceremony.
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Senior Australian Defence Force Officer – South Australia, Air Commodore Phil Gordon and Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Right Honourable Ms Sandy Verschoor, OAM stand at the Sir Ross Smith Monument.
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Army Bugler Corporal Isaac White plays the Last Post.
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Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Right Honourable Ms Sandy Verschoor, OAM delivers her statement of occasion.
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Chief Executive, History Trust of South Australia Chair, Epic Flight Centenary Committee Mr Greg Mackie, OAM.
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South Australian Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, the Hon Vickie Chapman MP.
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Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le, AC.
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The catafalque party stand to attention as the national anthem is played.
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Senior Australian Defence Force Officer – South Australia, Air Commodore Phil Gordon.
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The catafalque party rest on arms.
