Cowra, which has long carried the load of ensuring the sanctity of Australia's war history in the region, has had two local volunteers recognised and exalted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for decades of beneficence.
On August 2, Cowra Breakout Association organisers Graham Apthorpe and Lawrance Ryan were named as the 2024 recipients of special Foreign Minister's Commendations from the Consulate-General of Japan for their incredible contributions towards the Cowra Breakout commemorations over many years.
The awards were only given to four individuals across Australia.
In their acknowledgement of the efforts of Mr Apthorpe and Mr Ryan, the Consulate-General of Japan, Sydney said, "Among this year's recipients are four individuals from New South Wales, who are being recognised for their contributions to the promotion of economic relations between Japan and Australia, or for their contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia."
Both found out last Friday on the eve of the Cowra Breakout 80th anniversary and were in shock they received the awards.
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"I found out late and was pleasantly surprised," Lawrance Ryan said.
Mr Ryan's award recognises the continued efforts he has put in as chair of the organisation particularly at the 60th and 70th editions of the Breakout while Mr Apthorpe was acknowledged for his achievements and enterprise arranging the 75th anniversary instalment in 2019.
"It is completely unexpected and just shows how much the people of Cowra are valued by the people of Japan," Mr Ryan said.
"The Cowra Breakout remains a significant event not just in Cowra and Japan but everywhere. Graham and I along with numerous other individuals over the years have simply tried to continue on the good work done by previous volunteers.
"Whether it be the Cowra RSL Sub Branch tending to Japanese war graves or the achievements of Marion Starr, who basically ran the organisation almost singlehandedly there for a while - it has all lead to this point and all of these people and groups are custodians of these awards for their years of dedication," Mr Ryan said.
Sentiments echoed by Mr Apthorpe.
"It is truly humbling and an honour to be recognised for this however there are many people I could name who are worthy of this too. The real tribute is to the people of Cowra who have worked tirelessly to maintain our special relationship with Japan over many years and often of our own accord," he said.
"We hope this precious relationship between the two nations continues well into the future and it is great that Cowra is being recognised in such a special way."
