By JESSE GRAHAM
AT THE 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 100 people in Healesville stopped to remember.
The group gathered at the Healesville RSL’s memorial at 10.30am for a Remembrance Day Ceremony.
At the ceremony, Healesville High School Principal George Perini and Casey MP Tony Smith addressed the crowd and spoke on the sacrifice of soldiers serving in World War I.
“Every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we come together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have fought, suffered and tragically died for Australia in times of war and conflict around the globe,” Mr Perini said.
Mr Perini said that over 102,000 Australians had died while protecting the country in conflicts around the world.
“Those brave soldiers gave their lives regardless of politics or personal views, on behalf of our nation to ensure the values and beliefs that we hold dear as Australians … endure for future generations,” he said.
“As a nation, we hold fast to the belief that national security and peace are the goals for which we strive – men and women in Australia and around the world have made sacrifices, many giving their lives for this hope.
“Today is our opportunity to thank them, to remember them, but most of all, to honour them – Lest We Forget.”
Mr Smith said that, with Australia’s population sitting at five million at the time of the First World War, sending 400,000 troops to fight had a dramatic impact on every town.
“The honour rolls in the RSLs tell us the story of service and sacrifice – they tell the story of young Australians who once lived in these towns and walked these streets,” he said.
He said that, with the centenary of Anzac Day approaching, the country would re-live the four years of the Great War step-by-step.
Healesville High School captains Rohan Saric-Skewes and Maddi Wilson then read the poems In Flanders Fields and Rememberance – which had its title spelt incorrectly and was never corrected.
John Stanhope performed The Last Post on bugle to the crowd as RSL Commemorations Officer Bob Gannaway read The Ode and the crowd observed the minute of silence when 11am came around.
Afterwards, community members and veterans planted poppies and stood silent for a moment to pay their respects.
