Remember to pause and reflect

Horsham RSL president Robert Lockwood has urged people of the Wimmera and beyond to continue the annual tradition of observing Remembrance Day.

He said despite the passing of 100 years since the end of the First World War, the meaning and message of the occasion remained as important as ever.

Mr Lockwood said it was great people could attend ceremonies to consider the sacrifice of war, but added that taking a minute of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month every year was also a personal discipline people could observe wherever they were and whatever they were doing.

“If you can’t get to a service or ceremony or have other pressing commitments, anyone can stop for a minute to think of the people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – and hope that why we do this never happens again,” he said.

Mr Lockwood said he was among people who couldn’t attend a service on Sunday but made sure he stopped to reflect for minute at 11am.

“It is about making sure we think about what has happened in the past. It is also an opportunity to count our lucky stars,” he said.

“The good part about it is that more children are getting involved and gaining an understanding. They are our future and if we don’t pass on this message of respect there is a risk that future generations will forget what happened.”

Sunday marked a century since the end of the First World War.

Communities, led by RSL sub-branches across the region, marked the occasion with special services, events and displays.

Horsham featured a variety of presentations and exhibitions, including special evening service at Anzac Centenary Bridge, flowering poppies in garden beds in Horsham’s shopping centre and an evening lighting display at Horsham Post Office.

Activities also had an international flavor, with pipers in Ararat and Horsham joining bagpipe bands across the world in playing ‘The Battle’s O’er’ at the exact moment of the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.