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Remembering them

November 14, 2024 BY
Murwillumbah Remembrance Day

Veteran and students joined together to honour the ANZAC veterans.

A COMMITTED group of veterans, families and community members gathered for Murwillumbah’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday this week, presented by the RSL and Murwillumbah Public School.

The generations melted away in a moving ceremony. Photos: DAVID COPE

 

On a steamy morning in the shade at the entrance of the RSL Club, a series of speakers led by Mr Derek Sims included dignitaries, veterans, RSL members and school students, telling the stories of the fallen and survivors of successive wars.

Murwillumbah Public School and Services Club leaders share the ceremonial role. Photo: DAVID COPE

 

Paying homage were Murwillumbah Public School’s (MPS) school captains and the school choir led by music teacher Vikki Armour.

A sombre and beautiful ceremony honoured local veterans and those farther afield. Murwillumbah Public School and Services Club leaders share the ceremonial role.

 

The Murwillumbah Primary School choir performed In Flanders Fields and Abide with Me. Former student Emily Walton movingly performed The Last Post and The Rouse.

The Murwillumbah Public School choir performed several songs.

 

Principal Les Daley said the MPS had been involved with the RSL for over 20 years.

“We continue to look forward to working with our community in the future, ensuring mutual respect and trust for our younger and older generations,” he said.

Dignitaries, veterans and community member laid wreaths. Photo: DAVID COPE

 

Long-time MPS teacher, choir director and daughter of a veteran, Vikki Armour, displayed an array of medals at the ceremony on behalf of her late father, Eric Campbell (Butch) Lawther and was presented with a medallion at the ceremony.

MPS teacher and choir director Vikki Armour received a medallion in honour of her late father. Photo: DAVID COPE

 

“The medals were awarded to my father, who served in the Australian Army for 36 years,” Armour said.

A combined effort by MPS and the MSC presented the community event honouring veterans.

 

“Some of the medals were for active service in World War II in Borneo and New Guinea for his service in the Korean War, where he was a 3RAR veteran of the Battle of Kapyong, and one is for the American Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the battalion in the same battle.

The Services Club together with the Murwillumbah Public School presented the Remembrance Day event. Photo: DAVID COPE

 

“This medallion is awarded to World War II veterans for their service, and the Murwillumbah RSL is distributing them on behalf of the government to local veterans,” she said.