Above left: Gembrook RSL president Tony Borg laid a tribute to Diggers who fell in WWI.
By Casey Neill and Tania Martin
NINETY years after warring nations brought The Great War to an end, the hills paused to remember the fallen.
At Belgrave war memorial, more than 50 people gathered to pay tribute to those who served our nation in war.
Upwey-Belgrave RSL treasurer Dennis Moffat said 11 November was originally a day of celebration, but was now a day to reflect on all lives lost in conflict.
“We remember those who served and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country,” he said.
In Gembrook, residents gathered to remember those who gave their lives in The Great War and subsequent conflicts.
Silence washed over the crowd at the 11th hour, 90 years after peace was declared to end World War I.
Gembrook RSL president Tony Borg said it was fantastic to see so many young people at the service.
“We come here today to remember those who gave so much for their country,” he said.
Following the service a Lone Pine tree was planted at Gembrook Primary School.
During WWI an Australian soldier brought a pine cone home from Lone Pine, Gallipoli.
It was propagated after he died, and seedlings were distributed to RSL branches across the country.
Gembrook RSL member Norm Smith was just waiting for the right time to plant his.
“What better than the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day,” he said.
