The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance Day, is a global marker for the moment the guns fell silent across Europe at the end of the First World War.

For many in the Wimmera next week, the date will be a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of service men and women who fought in battle, with RSL sub-branches across the region hosting commemorative ceremonies.

Horsham RSL president Robert Lockwood said it was as vital as ever for people to continue attending services and commemorating the day.

He said one of the greatest safe-holds was increased involvement from younger generations, who will be at the forefront of ensuring the ‘stupidity’ of war remains in the past, and soldiers’ legacies are upheld into the future.

“It’s getting better and better in Horsham,” he said.

“We’re seeing more involvement from children and schools. Which means we have a future.

“The name Remembrance Day says it all. If we forget the cost of war and human life, there’s a chance it will happen again.”  

 

District services...

Ararat Rural City

Ararat: 11am, service at war memorial cenotaph followed by light refreshments at Ararat RSL.

Hindmarsh

Dimboola: 10.45am, service at Dimboola RSL clubroom, 113 Lloyd Street; after the service Dimboola RSL will host a light lunch at its clubrooms for anyone wishing to attend.

Jeparit: 11am, service in Broadway Street at the flagpole area for flag-raising ceremony at Jeparit RSL.

Nhill: 10.45am, service in Goldsworthy Park. The service will involve wreath-laying and include a few words shared from some of the RSL members.

Rainbow: 10.45am, service at the cenotaph in Federal Street.

Horsham Rural City

Horsham: 10.45am, memorial service at Sawyer Park cenotaph, Memorial Drive; 7.45pm, Anzac Centenary Bridge, Barnes Boulevard, service to highlight the significance of the ‘With the going down of the sun’ portion of the League Ode, in continuance from last year’s 100th anniversary of the Armistice service. Guest speaker Horsham Rural City Council mayor Mark Radford.

Northern Grampians

St Arnaud: 11am, wreath-laying ceremony at cenotaph.

Stawell: 11am, service and wreath-laying ceremony at the new World War One memorial at the front of Stawell Library.

West Wimmera

Apsley: 10.45am, service at war memorial, Splatt Street, involving a special presentation of white wooden crosses and poppies created by an RSL member, for each World War One soldier’s name on the memorial.

Edenhope: 10.45am, assemble at cenotaph, corner of Elizabeth Street and Anzac Avenue, for a service and wreath-laying ceremony.

Harrow: 10.45am, service at RSL clubrooms, Blair Street.

Kaniva: 10.50am, assemble for 11am service at Kaniva cenotaph and a one minute silence.

Yarriambiack

Hopetoun: 10.45am, service at Hopetoun RSL sub-branch, followed by morning tea.

Minyip: 11am, service at town square, Main Street.

Murtoa: 11am, service at War Memorial Gates.

Rupanyup: 10.45am, service at Avenue of Honour Memorial, Cromie Street.

Warracknabeal: 10.30am, service and wreath-laying ceremony at cenotaph in front of post office, school children will sing the national anthem.

The entire November 6, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!