Two ceremonies to honour Bendigo’s fallen

AT 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.

The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats on them over the preceding four months.

In November the Germans called for an armistice, or a suspension of fighting, in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted allied terms that amounted to unconditional surrender.

In the ensuing post-way years, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance – the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.

The first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known grave.

The allied nations chose that day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

On Monday, the Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch will again host two remembrance ceremonies to mark the occasion.

The first will begin at 10.30am in the forecourt of the Bendigo Military Museum in Pall Mall.

A second, similar service is scheduled for 10.45am at Brassey Square in front of the town hall in Eaglehawk.

Sub-branch president Glenn Ludeman said the organisation was inviting everyone to participate in the ceremonies.

“This solemn occasion marks the armistice signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, ending World War One in 1918,” Mr Ludeman said.

“It provides an opportunity to remember and honour the brave servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”

The official ceremonies will include commemorative services and a wreath-laying, and a minute’s silence at 11am to honour the fallen.

The guest speaker will be Stafford Kelly CSM, who has served 38 years in the Australian Defence Force and who has been an active member of the sub-branch.

Mr Ludeman said local veterans, current service members and members of the community would all participate.

“We encourage all community members, families and visitors to attend as we pay our respects together,” he said.