A key focus for the Serpentine Jarrahdale RSL is the importance ‘to remember to remember’ as they held their commemorative ceremony in Byford on Thursday, November 11, as part of Remembrance Day.
A special ceremony was held at ANZAC Memorial Park in Byford as the Serpentine Jarrahdale Returned & Services League Sub-Branch (SJRSL) together with Veterans, Serving ADF personnel and the local community acknowledged, honoured and remembered the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country and to those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
President of the Serpentine Jarrahdale RSL, Jan Honter, said wreaths were laid by himself, Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones, and councillor Lauren Strange on behalf of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Council.
“Remembrance Day is a time to not only commemorate those killed in the First World War, but all Australian servicemen and women who have fought and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said.
“For more than 100 years, Australians have paused to honour the sacrifice of servicemen and women who have fought and died in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
“2021 marks the 103rd anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between Allied forces and Germany, which ended the First World War (1914–18).”
According to Mr Honter, up to 100 people turned up to the ceremony to acknowledge and remember those who served Australia, including one resident who brought fresh poppies.
“Many Australian Service men and women are serving across the globe. They too will stop their work and remember those who served before them,” he said.
“On this occasion we also honoured the memory of the 41 ADF members who gave their lives on operations in Afghanistan and others who still carry the scars from their time in Afghanistan.
“We also acknowledged with gratitude the sacrifice made by the families of those who have served.
“We cannot bring back the dead and raise them up again.
“We cannot reunite loved ones.
“We cannot recreate the shattered lives and vanished hopes of their lost generation.”
