Torquay veterans honoured

LIGHT poles and shop fronts on Gilbert Street have been adorned with Torquay’s living World War Two veterans to commemorate 75 years since its end and upcoming Remembrance Day.

The banners will remain hoisted until November 12 and according to RSL president Bob Tyler, they both acknowledge the milestone and navigate COVID obstacles.

“This year because we cannot have a full commemoration ceremony at Point Danger on Remembrance Day, we are trying to ensure our community pauses to think of those who have lost their lives for Australia, who have served in any capacity, and those who continue to serve,” Mr Tyler said.

“In August, we celebrated the end of World War Two by interviewing and photographing living Torquay RSL veterans who served in that war.

“Since then, one has died, but to us she is still very much part of our membership,”

The banners feature both a current and archived photograph of the surviving veterans nestled atop a bunch of poppies. Mr Tyler said the design was a collaborative effort.

Despite restrictions, the RSL have arranged a simple commemoration to be live streamed from 10.45am on Wednesday November 11.

“We must never forget those who, since Federation, have served in Australia’s defence forces and who have given so much of themselves to ensure we have a quality of life far better than they did,” Mr Tyler said.

“But equally, we must never forget the sacrifices of mothers, wives, brothers and sisters of those who left them at home to endure loss, hardship and loneliness.”

Details of the Remembrance Day live stream can be found on the RSL Facebook page facebook.com/torquayrsl.