Armistice centenary commemorated

REMEMBRANCE Day attracted hundreds of people to the Vansittart Park Soldiers Memorial on Sunday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice to end World War I.

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the crowd observed a minute of silence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The emotion-filled service had a special focus on the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent on the Western Front.

With the war memorial surrounded by the red poppies matching those which grew on Flanders Field following the end of World War I, the Mount Gambier community remembered Australia’s war heroes.

War veterans, community leaders, school children and other members of the public laid wreaths at the steps of the memorial as a mark of respect.

Before the laying of the wreaths, Major Leigh Newton provided a poignant reminder about the Armistice coming into effect.

“As soon as the news was known, cities and towns around Australia and the world erupted into celebration,” Mr Newton said.

“However for those troops still on active duty … the cause for celebration was harder to enjoy as they were still surrounded by the devastation caused by the war.”

Mr Newton focused on the enormous contribution made in World War I, in which 60,000 Australian Defence Force personnel made the ultimate sacrifice.

He reflected on those who could not enjoy the jubilation seen in cities and towns across the country as the war came to an end.

“If the mood of the soldiers was one of disbelief and sorrow for lost mates at home, there were joyous scenes in Australian cities and towns in perhaps the greatest outburst of public happiness the nation has ever known,” Mr Newton said.

“In enormous joy, it is easy to overlook those who could not rejoice with their neighbours in their happiness – it was just an ache in their heart for a soldier, sailor or airman in a far off grave.”

The emotion-filled service was capped off with Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin presenting the Citation for Gallantry to three Vietnam veterans for their involvement in the Coral/Balmoral battle.

Ewen Blair, David Strother and Graham Patzel were met with a round of applause as each were honoured in front of their peers.

Mount Gambier Community RSL (RSL) president Bob Sandow said it was a perfect end to a magnificent service.

“We had a great turnout and I was absolutely chuffed with how the whole day went,” Mr Sandow said.

Mr Sandow highlighted the engagement from nine schools from Mount Gambier and surrounds who attended the service to lay wreaths.

“The younger generation has to take this tradition on and it was really pleasing to see so many schools at the service,” Mr Sandow said.

“We attended McDonald Park and Moorak on Friday to hold a special service and really drive home to these children what it is all about.”

Following the service, dozens of people from the community attended the RSL, with a strong crowd still present later in the afternoon and evening.

“We certainly had great numbers back at the RSL, where we had the Mount Gambier City Band playing in the afternoon,” Mr Sandow said.

“It was great to see the community supporting us by buying a beer or staying for a meal.”