They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
On November 11, 1919, King George V inaugurated the first Remembrance Day, marking the end of, what was at the time, the worst conflict in human history: “The war to end all wars”.
To mark those who did not return – “The Fallen” - The Great War’s end on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month became a commemoration for soldiers and service personnel who lost their lives.
Now each year, to commemorate all who died while serving in conflicts and peace-keeping operations in conflicts since World War One, people across the globe observe Remembrance Day through a minute’s silence and a sounding of the Last Post.
Proserpine
Proserpine’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) Sub-branch hosted a Remembrance Day Ceremony, honouring all who were lost, including Proserpine Servicemen who were killed during World War One, World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam.
Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri led the proceedings, making special note of the Australian participation in ending The Great War.
“From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Core were at the forefront of the Allied advance to victory,” Mr Raiteri said.
“Victory for the Australians had come at a heavy cost: They suffered almost 48,000 casualties in 1918 alone. The four years of World War One 330,000 Australians served overseas, and 60,000 died.
“Today, we remember the over 100,000 Australians who did not come home over all wars. From World War One, World War Two, Malaya, Korea, Vietnam, Rwanda, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and all the other operations Australians have been involved in across the globe.”
Wreaths were lain at the foot of the Proserpine Cenotaph by representatives from Proserpine RSL, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Gary Simpson, ex-military servicemen, and local schools, before a minute’s silence was observed.
The well-attended ceremony ended with a playing of ‘The Last Post’ before local’s travelled to the Proserpine RSL to continue a day of remembrance.
The Proserpine Cenotaph was the scene of a touching Remembrance Day ceremony
The event was well-attended by veterans, to whom it means so much
Proserpine Returned and Services League (RSL) Sub-branch organised the day and saw many of its members observe the ceremony
Members from various ex-service groups took part in the RSL-led service
Proserpine RSL Sub-branch President Jason Raiteri conducted the rites of the day
Bowen
Over 80 people attended the indoor service at the Bowen RSL last Friday, including Mayor Julie Hall who stayed to speak with war widows and other guests after the ceremony.
“It was a lovely turn out,” said Bowen RSL President John Eyles.
“We had a very good day as a club.”
The attendees comprised ex-servicemen, families, guests, and friends of the RSL, with the Country Women’s Association putting on a delicious afternoon tea for all to enjoy.
Wreaths laid to remember those that served
Volunteers Rob Byles, Faileen James, Robyn Burrell
Cannonvale
There were roughly 50 attendees at the Cannonvale Cenotaph to commemorate Remembrance Day this year and Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Vice President Carl Brown led the service.
Father Jose gave a shirt address and requiem which was followed by the prayer of Remembrance.
President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman laid the first wreath followed by Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and Councillor Jan Clifford.
They were followed by ex-service men, local police officers and students from nearby Cannonvale State School.
Jenni Borellini sung the New Zealand National Anthem and Airlie Norton sung the Australian National Anthem.
The flag was lowered and a minute’s silence observed to the emotive sounds of ‘Last Post’ played by Bryce Fraser.
Service concludes with wreaths laid and flag at full mast
Councillor Jan Clifford, President of Airlie Beach Whitsunday RSL Dianne Trueman, Amanda Camm MP’s representative Jacqueline Spruce and RSL Vice President Carl Brown
