South Gippsland remembers

REMEMBRANCE Day, held onTuesday November 11, saw thousands of people across the nation attend ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914-18).

Foster

A record number of people attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph. It is estimated that well over 500 lined the streets of Foster, with a strong representation by Foster Primary School students. School leaders laid wreaths made with assistance from Naomi McgGlead. The service was also attended by a large number of South Gippsland Secondary College students.

RSL member Les Wilkins laid a wreath on behalf of the Foster RSL Sub-Branch and a wreath was also laid by Councillor Mohya Davies on behalf of the South Gippsland Shire Council.

Following the recitation of The Ode and the observance of one minute’s silence, Foster RSL Sub-Branch secretary/manager Perce Brewer played The Rouse and The Last Post on the bugle. The flag was then raised by Ian Sutton. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a large crowd gathered at the RSL club rooms to enjoy a barbecue and refreshments.

The Foster RSL Sub-Branch is grateful to those who sold poppies in the lead-up to Remembrance Day and to all the members of the public for their terrific support by purchasing poppies.

Toora

A crowd of around 15 attended the Toora/Welshpool Remembrance Day ceremony at the Toora Cenotaph.

The Ode of Remembrance was recited by Toora Sub-branch president Rod Coughran-Lane and the flag raised by Helmut ‘Ski’ Grzegozewski.

Following the ceremony, those attending enjoyed lunch at the Toora RSL Sub-Branch club rooms.

Meeniyan

The Remembrance Day ceremony was officiated by Meeniyan and District RSL Sub- Branch president Heather Scott.

On behalf of the young people of Australia, Tarwin Valley Primary School student Jessica W recited the Pledge of Remembrance.

Following the laying of wreaths, attendees repeated the Ode of Remembrance, which was followed by The Last Post and the observance of one minute’s silence.

The flag was raised during the playing of The Rouse and the ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.

Fish Creek

Approximately 60 people attended the Remembrance Day ceremony held at ‘The Rock’ at Fish Creek, with Ros Bryan of the Fish Creek RSL Sub-Branch officiating.

The Ode of Remembrance was recited by Pat Hopkins, and 15-year-old Emily Duffus played The Last Post on the bugle. Emily has played the bugle at RSL ceremonies in previous years with her father Ian, and on this occasion, the first time playing solo, is the same age her father was when he began playing the bugle at RSL services.

Navy Commander Mike Lovell recited the Remembrance Day poem and the flag was raised by Brian Duffus.

The ceremony was particularly enjoyed by an English family who are travelling in Australia and who happened to be passing through Fish Creek. The visitors stayed to witness the service and were amongst those who enjoyed refreshments at the club house at the conclusion of the ceremony.

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