Portarlington leads Bellarine’s Remembrance Day events

HUNDREDS of residents and visitors gathered in Portarlington on Saturday morning to pay their respects as part of Remembrance Day ceremonies conducted across the Bellarine.

Portarlington-St Leonards RSL members and ex-service personnel, local community groups, organisations, government officials and the general public attended the event at Portarlington Cenotaph for the annual proceedings, led by RSL vice president Ross Walker.

Mr Walker led the Order of Service by reading out “The Ode of Remembrance” before a rendition of “The Last Post” preceded the Minute’s Silence at 11am.

After visitors stood for “Advance Australia Fair”, local pastor Alan Walker led the service’s prayers and benediction.

The ceremony was concluded with the commemorative wreath laying.

Portarlington-St Leonards RSL secretary Phil Walters said the community was out in full force for this year’s Remembrance Day service.

“We’ve noticed of late with current affairs overseas, people are looking more towards RSLs like ours and those who have served, and what it means to our country.

“Engagement from our young kids like we saw from Portarlington Primary’s school captain during the ceremony is also really encouraging to see, so people are genuinely eager to learn more about our country’s past.”

The Portarlington Cenotaph was built and opened in 1919 and features the names of Australian soldiers from Portarlington, who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.

The Portarlington-St Leonards RSL encourages anyone eager to assist the local sub-branch to phone 5259 1055.