A good crowd has again congregated in Sassafras to attend the annual Remembrance Day service on Saturday 11 November.
Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub Branch President Bob Richards was pleased with the turnout by the community.
“… It was nice to see so many local people join in commemorations to honour those who have served Australia in uniform, some of whom unfortunately didn’t return home to the thanks of a grateful nation,” Mr Richards said.
A commemorative service was conducted in fine weather in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges on the Sassafras Village Green, culminating in the Last Post and a minute’s silence, as is tradition, at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month of each year.
The service was supported by the Royal Australian Navy who provided the guest speaker, Sub Lieutenant Kyoengmin Lee.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the RSL, the Australian Defence Force, local Federal and State Members of Parliament and Councillor Andrew Fullagar on behalf of the Yarra Ranges Shire.
Cockatoo RSL sub branch inc’s service commenced at 10.30am.
A minute’s silence was observed at 11am.
Behind the scenes work by the committee and volunteers ensured that the service ran smoothly.
Guest speakers and musicians contributed to the service. During the wreath laying, many laid a poppy in remembrance of loved ones.
There was reasonable attendance and many stayed after the service to enjoy a cuppa and morning tea.
Monbulk RSL’s fence was lined with poppies as members and locals gathered to commemorate the ending of the First World War hostilities.
RSL secretary Craig Vandenberg said it is a time to sit back and reflect on sacrifices of the youth, young men and women involved in those conflicts and those that have never returned.
“The community really, really come together and can see it on their faces up there at the porch and delivering In Flanders Fields,” Mr Vandenberg said.
“You can see people paying attention to what’s being said and really understanding the depth of the service.”
RSL president John Surridge read the story of the poppy.
