Recognising the ultimate sacrifice

VETERANS, families and all age groups gathered at the Heathcote RSL Cenotaph for the Remembrance Day Commemoration ceremony on Monday.

Sub-branch president Miles Humphrey said he was pleased to see so many in attendance.

Prayers of gratitude and hope for the future were offered, and the Heathcote Wandering Minstrels, and the Combined Primary Schools Choir paid tribute in song.

Wreaths were laid by community groups and individuals.

“It may be hard for many of today’s generations to comprehend the true scale of sacrifice and loss experienced by those that lived through the major events of last century,” said Mr Humphrey.

“And now as storm clouds gather around the world once more, we are reminded of the importance of Remembrance Day.

“The Heathcote RSL Sub-Branch takes the responsibility of organising Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative services very seriously as we honour those made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation.

“Remembrance Day goes beyond the anniversary of the signing of Armistice to end the ‘war to end all wars.’

“It is the day on which we remember all who served and died in war and on operational service.”

Mr Humphrey spoke of his disappointment that many seem to have forgotten the sacrifices made by so many in the hope that we would only know peace.

“Tragically, humanity never seems to learn from the mistakes of the past.

“We say ‘we will remember’ but some leaders and sections of our communities appear to disregard, or even stoke divisions within our otherwise peaceful society for the sake of distant and dangerous ideological causes.

“As a veteran, it has been shocking and confronting to see the disgraceful behaviour condoning and even celebrating acts of terrorism.

“They are able to do so, by using the freedom of speech gifted to them by simply living here.

“We must be ever thankful for the sacrifice of our glorious dead, and never forget the great tragedy of war.”