General News
14 November, 2022
November 11 a day to remember and reflect, local Vietnam Veterans sub branch says
Solemnity graced the air on Friday when locals gathered together to commemorate Remembrance Day 2022 — held for the first time without any COVID restrictions since 2019. Held on November 11, the day marks the end of fighting in World War I during...
Solemnity graced the air on Friday when locals gathered together to commemorate Remembrance Day 2022 — held for the first time without any COVID restrictions since 2019.
Held on November 11, the day marks the end of fighting in World War I during 1918, when the guns on the Western Front fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
In honour of those who lost their lives in service to the country, around 60 people attended the Maryborough service at Soldiers’ Memorial Plot on Majorca Road.
The service started with wreath laying by the RSL, Vietnam Veterans, Legacy, Laurel Ladies, local schools, and other community members, followed by The Last Post, a minute’s silence and flag raising.
“One word for what we’re doing here is — remembering. Remembering all the people that never came back,” Maryborough and District Vietnam Veterans sub branch president Lee Turton said.
“I’m feeling touched and proud because of everyone who showed up.”
During the commemorative address, Maryborough RSL Sub branch president Steve Braunton said it was important that the sacrifices of brave men and women continue to be remembered.
“They died so we could have the freedom to stand here, so we could get an education. Get a job. Live a free life. We are forever in their debt,” he said.
“Some of us have not sacrificed anything for our freedom. It was given to us, by those who came before us. So now, it is our responsibility to never forget the service and sacrifices of our Australian Defense Force.”
Alluding to the war in Ukraine, Mr Braunton said he hoped young people weren’t subjected to what the previous generations had to go through.
“The younger generation will carry the torch for us and I hope no one has to ever go through this again,” he said.
Students present at the service also paused and reflected alongside everyone else.
“It’s good to be involved, I’m honoured to be here. We need lots of kids to be here to understand what it’s really about,” Highview College student Lucas said.
For fellow Highview student Hannah, the day served as an important reminder.
“While it’s not an issue that directly impacted us in our lifetime, we can learn so much from the sacrifices of these people. And I think it’s really important that we teach young people, the importance of that, and whether that’s through more education through the schooling systems, or getting more people to come to events like this,” she said.
“It’s really a uniting event as a community. And I think we all really enjoy it.”
