One of the biggest crowds ever gathered for a local Remembrance Day assembled at Memorial Wall ClubMulwala for last Saturday’s 2023 Remembrance Day.
At 11.00am, the crowd of about 250 people observed the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a period of silence and reflection, then Reveille, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice by Australian servicemen and women, and Allies, who gave their lives in all wars and war-like conflicts during the past 100-plus years.
Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch member Lynne Dowsett recited ‘In Flanders Fields’ and Kerry Pendergast ‘We Shall Keep The Faith’ before Master of Ceremonies, Ian Summers, introduced the Sacred Heart College captains to deliver wonderful addresses.
“I stand before you this morning wearing war medals awarded to my grandfather after the conclusion of the first World War. Medals he and other veterans earned, to recognise the courage, bravery and loyalty they possessed during the most significant bloodshed of their time,” Xavier Martin said.
“That is why we are here on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at the 11th hour, to commemorate those who so selflessly gave up their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
“Our soldiers witnessed such tragedies in the hope that we today may never have to.
“We remember contributions and sacrifice, particularly sacrifice and horror that was never celebrated or honoured.
“We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Australian personnel that made the ultimate sacrifice for us and never returned home to their families.
“We reach out in empathy for all the Australians who returned home wounded, for their lives would never be the same again. This morning we remember them.
“We remember the nurses who provided life-saving treatment to those on the front lines.
“We remember the families at home praying everyday for the safe arrival of their most treasured family members. Fathers, sons, mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters.
“We remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives so that we may stand here today and that is why we commemorate them.
“We acknowledge those across the seas still maintaining peace and fighting for freedom in current conflicts. Lest we forget.”
Jess Freeman said that Remembrance Day means a lot of things to many people. “For me, it means reflecting on those who have selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice and acknowledging those that continue to serve our country on a daily basis,” she said.
“As a secondary school student approaching adulthood, I’m more and more aware of how those sacrifices of others have made and shaped the country I live in and the experiences I am offered today.
“Without the contribution of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who have served for this country, the current generation wouldn’t be the same. As a result of their courageous service, we have seen this nation become greatly respected, but more importantly, a country where every citizen has extensive opportunities to succeed.
“Today, we stand here with the greatest amount of pride in being able to say ‘we are Australian’. From the deafening sounds of gunshots and explosions, the helicopters above, and the screams and cries of friends nearby, we reflect on the resilient acts that the soldiers of this country have made so that we are able to live in an Australia filled with the smiling faces of our loved ones.
“May their pride never be forgotten. May their pride never be replaced. And may their acts always be remembered by those who stand here today. Lest We Forget.”
Mr Summers praised the students for their “special” addresses. “You did a fantastic job and it’s wonderful we have youth in town like you,” the MC said.
John Duncan sang the national anthems of New Zealand, England and Australia for the last time last Saturday and was also praised by Mr Summers.
Mr Duncan, who turns 90-years-of-age next July, has sung for the last 26 years on the big days including Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he said upon his retirement. “It’s been a privilege to sing for the RSL.”
At 11.11am during last Saturday’s service, seven aircraft from the Victa Airtourer Association flew over as a mark of respect for Remembrance Day.
Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch officials were very pleased with what the big crowd with long time RSL Sub Branch’s Brian Cossar OAM believing it was the biggest he can recall.
Mulwala Public School students and their principal Gayle Pinn were attendees. “I thank everyone who came today,” concluded Mr Summers.