Service Honours the past with hopes for the future

YOUNG and old attended a Remembrance Day service at the Heathcote Cenotaph on Saturday.

Local veterans, community groups, religious leaders, and school students paid tribute to those who served and their families.

“We are ever thankful for the sacrifices that were made for us,” said Heathcote RSL Sub Branch vice-president Miles Humphrey.

“Remembrance Day continues to have relevance and meaning to all who served, particularly as storm clouds gather over the world again.

“Our thoughts are with those serving overseas and we hope, in the future, our children and grandchildren will only know peace.

“Veterans continue to face challenges and when we pause, we reflect on the price we, and others, paid over all wars.”

Religious leaders offered prayers of gratitude and hope for the future, while the Heathcote Songbirds and the Combined Primary Schools Choir paid tribute in song.

Wreaths were laid by community groups and individuals.

Among those who attended were school leaders Victoria, Gemma and Jackie from Heathcote Primary School.

“I think it is a tremendous thing for us to be able to do to be able to come here and pay our respects,” said Victoria.

For Gemma the gravitas of 11 November and participation for younger generations was key.

“It is a very important day and it’s really nice that our students could come along to honour and respect,” she said.

The sacrifice of those made and dreams of a peaceful future were front of mind for Jackie.

“So many people suffered,” he said. “I hope we never have any more wars.”