Remembrance Day service returns to hallowed Peace Memorial

RESIDENTS across Geelong and the world will don a remembrance poppy and honour a minute’s silence today (Friday, November 11) to remember those who served in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day marks 104 years since World War I ended and signifies 75 years of global peacekeeping operations by Australia.

To commemorate fallen and living servicemen and servicewomen, Geelong’s Peace Memorial will open to the public this morning for its annual Remembrance Day service, beginning at 10.40am in Johnstone Park.

Geelong RSL president Andrew Hanns said a small ceremony was held last year at the RSL’s subbranch in Belmont, but was glad to see the event resume at its usual spot next to City Hall.

“Remembrance Day to me is a service for everyone.

“Each year, we expect about 300 to 400 people to attend the service on November 11, and with this year’s commemoration back at the Peace Memorial, it will be great for everyone to gather together again.

“Being in this building on Anzac Day, for example, at 4.15am – it’s cold, it’s eerie, it’s dark outside, it’s just a taste of what our soldiers had to deal with back then, it’s a really powerful moment.”

The Geelong Remembrance Day service is scheduled to begin in the traditional format.

Proceedings will start with a catafalque guard setting up around the memorial’s cenotaph and resting on arms.

From there, guests and ex-servicepersons will arrive, Geelong RSL’s Pipes and Drums band will be in attendance to play several songs, a guest speaker will welcome guests, and a playing of the Last Post and national anthem will accompany the minute’s silence on the stroke of 11am.

An ex-serviceman, Mr Hanns was 23 years old when he first joined the army, where he was deployed to East Timor.

Geelong’s Peace Memorial holds a special place in his heart, honouring those who served in other wars besides the world wars.

“I treasure this building, just hearing the echo when speaking, it’s the perfect place to hold an event like this. It makes you feel proud,” Mr Hanns said.

“It’s a Peace Memorial, not a War Memorial, and to have other conflicts in here next to World War I and World War II, is a real honour.

“It really is a hidden gem and if you are fortunate enough to find time to attend the service, it will fill you with immense pride.”

Other Remembrance Day services in Geelong include the Waurn Ponds War Memorial service at 10.30am and the Geelong West Remembrance Service at Geelong West Town Hall tomorrow (Saturday, November 12), also at 10.30am.

To support Australian veterans, Mr Hanns said the Geelong RSL is selling red poppies at local supermarkets and stores primarily in Highton and Belmont.

Alternatively, head to poppyappeal.com.au to donate.