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Remembrance Day services honour the fallen

There was a good community turnout for both Echuca and Moama Remembrance Day services. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Hundreds gathered at the Echuca and Moama cenotaphs to attend Remembrance Day services.

The Echuca service started promptly on Monday, November 11 at 10.50am and was led by members of the Echuca RSL sub-branch.

The service opened with a prayer and poem read by RSL member Ron Wood before RSL vice-president, John Hollowood gave a commemorative address.

Ron Wood, spoke on the significance of the poppy. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Mr Hollowood said that the day is a chance to remember those who have passed and reflect on the price countries paid due to war.

“Remembrance Day on November 11 is a time to recognise and remember all those who have lost their lives or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said.

“The day’s sombre associations have never changed... we reflect on the price that Australia and countries around the world have paid through more than a century of war and conflict that followed the World War I.”

Wreaths were then laid, led by David Jenkins, the RSL’s oldest living member at age 97.

David Jenkins, Echuca RSL's longest living member, laid the first wreath. Photo by Lua Ikenasio
Echuca East Primary School and Echuca Primary School also laid a wreath during the service. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Representatives from the Echuca East Primary School, Echuca Primary School and Campaspe Shire Council were among those who also laid a wreath.

The service then concluded with the last post, a minute of silence, the rouse and the national anthem.

Current Echuca RSL members - Ron Wood, Bob Walk, David Jenkins, Tony Deenen and John Hollowood. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Over in Moama, Moama RSL sub-branch president Ken Jones led the service across the river at the Moama cenotaph from 11.00am.

Moama RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Jones gave the welcome. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Cole Perkins followed the opening speech with a prayer for fallen soldiers, and Leigh Bennett recited a Remembrance Day poem.

Col Perkins led the prayers during the service. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Wreaths were laid by Moama and Echuca RSL’s, Murray River Council, Moama and Murray River District Police, veteran and Legacy groups, and State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.

Marine Rescue NSW Moama Unit commander Luke Sharrock was one of many individuals to lay a wreath. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Pamela Colt spoke of her family’s rich history of serving for Australia since World War I, as well as her own service, and Georgia Armstrong from Cohuna Secondary College sung the British, New Zealand, and Australian national anthems.

Pam Culph gave the guest speaker address. Photo by Oliver Shedden
Georgia Armstrong sings national anthems. Photo by Oliver Shedden