Fairfield’s local Assyrian community gathered at Fairfield Park last Saturday for the unveiling of the long awaited Assyrian Australian memorial plaque.

Close to 300 were in attendance including Assyrian Church of the East Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Fairfield Liberal Councillors Zaya Toma, Andrew Rohan, state Liberal MLC’s David Clarke, Marie Ficarra, Charlie Lynn and Australian Business Party President Joseph Adams. Lieutenants and generals from the Australian military were also present.

Assyrian Levies Association president Gaby Kiwarkis welcomed guests before speeches were read in honour of those fallen in WWI. John Savige and Dr Lindsay Grigg who are nephews of two special members of the Australia Imperial forces, Sir Stanley Savige and Captain Nicol MC made emotional speeches, which left the crowd in tears.

“These men deserve to be remembered, because of their brave actions which helped save more than 40,000 Assyrian refugees, of which many Fairfield Assyrians are direct descendents of,” Mr Kiwarkis said.

Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia said a prayer of commemoration before unveiling the memorial plaque.

The laying of the wreaths then followed the official opening with the last post by the military catafalque and a one minute silence in remembrance of those who perished.

A graduation ceremony was also held for the newly formed Assyrian eagle scouts, lead by Mr Kiwarkis. The Assyrian eagle scouts also led the Australian and Assyrian national anthems.

Labor Minister Chris Bowen and Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich were both invited but unable to attend.