By Kathryn Bermingham
THE story of a heroic local soldier was shared at the Monbulk Remembrance Day service this morning.
Jim Cowey served at Gallipoli as a young man before returning home to work as a farmer and raise a family. Undeterred by his experiences in World War One, he again enlisted in 1942 and served in the campaign at Kokoda. By then in his early 50s, Jim was determined that war would not reach Australian shores.
Those at the service listened in awe at the remarkable courage of Jim Cowey and others like him, and the immense sacrifice they made for their country.
RSL Members were joined by Monbulk MP James Merlino and children from Monbulk primary school at the service. Held outside the hall, the Monbulk community was given the opportunity to pay their respects as In Flanders Fields was read and the Last Post was played.
Two wreaths were laid in honour of those fallen.
As all rose to observe a minute’s silence, it was clear that as the years go by, the memory of all Australian service people will live on.
