A DAY TO REMEMBER

AUSTRALIA will pause in a moment of reflection tomorrow, paying respect to the millions of men and women who have served and made sacrifices during times of conflict.

This Remembrance Day marks the 99th anniversary since the end of World War I.

Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast residents will have many opportunities to pay their respects, with local RSLs and community organisations coming together at memorials all over the region.

Torquay RSL head Ian Gilbank said many people worked tirelessly to ensure the local commemoration was “the best it could be”.

“It’s an extremely important time for the community, especially those who had ancestors and family members make the sacrifice in the world wars and Vietnam,” he said. “It’s about remembering their legacy, their sacrifice and paying our respects to those who defended our country.”

As part of Remembrance Day, RSL members are out in force selling the symbolic red poppy to raise money for returned service personnel.

President of the Portarlington-St Leonards RSL and Vietnam veteran Barry Smith said the poppy appeal always gathered massive support from both the local community and visitors to the area.

“Every year it’s a team effort between us and the community. We get a great deal of satisfaction being able to help our veterans and ex-servicemen,” he said.

Mr Smith said the day was an integral part of keeping the memory of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country alive. “We keep Remembrance Day alive so those people are not forgotten.”