Geelong to pause to honour the fallen

COMMEMORATIVE services will take place across the Geelong region in the days leading up to and on Remembrance Day.

Local RSL Sub-branches are inviting the community to pause and honour Australians who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 8), a service will be held at the Cenotaph at Geelong West Town Hall between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Navy cadets of TS Barwon will be in attendance and music will be provided by the Geelong West Brass Band.

In Waurn Ponds, a service will be held at the Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve on Sunday, November 9 at 10.45am.

A traditional one minute’s silence will be observed at 11am, as well as the playing of the Last Post and the reading of the Ode of Remembrance.

“We invite everyone in the Waurn Ponds and Greater Geelong area to join us to pause, reflect and pay their respects,” memorial reserve committee secretary Jeff Harriott said.

“It’s our community’s chance to stand together and ensure we honour their sacrifice.”

Attendees wishing to lay a wreath, floral tribute or poppy are welcome to do so during the service.

A short gathering will also take place this Sunday, November 9 at Moorak Park in Noble Street, Newtown, at the site of the City of Newtown Memorial Cairn.

Running between 10am and 10.30am, the service will provide an opportunity to acknowledge the 137 persons listed on the WW1 honour board located within All Saints Anglican Church.

Then, on Remembrance Day on Tuesday, November 11, the Lara RSL Sub-branch will host a service between 10.15am and 11.15am, while the Geelong RSL Sub-branch will host its annual service at the peace memorial at Johnstone Park in central Geelong starting at 10.30am.

Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front at 11am on November 11 in 1918, signalling the end of World War I.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed to honour all Australians who lost their lives in all wars and conflicts.

Each year, the nation pauses for a minute’s silence to remember their courage and sacrifice.

To find your local RSL Victoria Sub-Branch, head to rslvic.com.au/about-us/sub-branches