Burton at yesterday’s Remembrance Day service in Drummond Park.
A local Remembrance Day ceremony was held in Drummond Park yesterday, November 11 to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.
Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices many have made so we can enjoy life today.
Corporal Greg Martin (with the Army Reserve University of NSW Regiment) was this year’s speaker and outlined the significance of Remembrance Day.
Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I (WWI), Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving, whether in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations.
“The First World War was, in its time, the most destructive conflict yet experienced by humanity,” Corporal Martin said.
More than 60,000 Australian soldiers lost their lives, and of these, the remains of 23,000 were never located.
Another 150,000 were wounded or taken prisoner.
Corporal Martin also spoke about how the red poppy is significant to Remembrance Day.
“The poppy became the enduring symbol of the war for veterans and remembered as the only flower to bloom in the shattered landscape of no mans land.
“According to folklore, they were red from the blood of fallen soldiers,” Corporal Martin explained.
Today, Remembrance Day poppies are worn on the left lapel in memory of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice, and to recognise their acts of gallantry.
