Richmond launches Golden Wattle inspired Anzac Day Eve guernsey
Wattle has deep connection with the Australian Defence Force, its powerful symbolism prominent throughout Australian War efforts.
During times of conflict, it became a tradition that wattle, as Australia’s floral emblem, was pressed into letters and posted to travelling soldiers to remind them of home.
Many soldiers wore their wattle in their hats, and people also sold the wattle flowers back home to raise money during the war. Fallen diggers were often buried with a sprig of wattle as a final mark of their sacrifice for the country.
The wattle has remained a symbol of unity and resilience for Australian people during challenging times. Wattle withstands Australia’s droughts, winds, and bushfires, and has become a representation of the nation’s ongoing spirit.
For more than 65,000 years, Australia’s First Peoples have traditionally utilised the wood, pollen and sap from wattle trees for food, medicine, weapons, tools and ceremonial decoration among other things.
Wattle remains a focal point in fundraising efforts across the country for our current servicemen and women. On national days of mourning, Australians are still encouraged to wear a sprig of wattle.
Proceeds from Richmond’s Anzac Day Eve jumper will go towards the RSL’s Anzac Appeal, supporting the families of soldiers past and present.
The PUMA-designed jumper also includes a poem, “Ode for the fallen” on the front of the guernsey, and a list of Richmond players and officials that died at war on the reverse.
Among these names is ruckman Bill Nolan, who was the first Richmond player to lose his life in armed conflict, after being killed in action during World War 1.
Nolan played 30 games for the Tigers across 1914-1915 before losing his life at war just a year later in France, aged 27. In August 1916, during Richmond’s first-ever league final, players wore a black armband in Nolan’s honour. Nolan was described as a “Richmond footballer who was admired by all”.
We will remember them. Lest We Forget.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1096599/richmond-launches-golden-wattle-inspired-anzac-day-eve-guernsey
