Yarrawonga P-12 Lucy Bassett and Milla Fletcher, Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub Branch President Michael Hogan, and Mulwala public School leaders Navaeh Rosmulder and Zali Mathieson at the conclusion of the 2024 Remembrance Day service at ClubMulwala.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Two decades after the First World War ended, the world was plunged into a second global conflict.
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“No longer could Armistice Day remain a day only to remember the dead of the First World War. After the Second World War ended in 1945, 11 November became known as Remembrance Day,” Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub Branch President Michael Hogan told an estimated 250 people on Monday at ClubMulwala’s Remembrance Day service.
“The day’s sombre associations have never changed. When we pause at 11.00am on11 November 11, we reflect on the price that Australia and countries around the world have paid through more than a century of war and conflict that followed the First World War.”
Remembrance Day holds a special place for two Yarrawonga P-12 students Lucy Bassett and Milla Fletcher who trekked the Kokoda track last year.
“Whilst on the track we were told stories of the hardship they endured,” Milla said. “The possibility they may not come home, the illness around then, the tropical terrain that no-one was expecting.
“This put my challenges on the track into perspective of the sacrifice and courage of those who have fought in all wars in the past.”
Milla and Lucy will be part of the P-12 leadership group in 2025. “Today the Isurva War Memorial stands tall with four pillars overlooking the Kakoda gap,” Lucy said.
“On each of these pillars states a different word: courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice, which represents the values and qualities of those Australian soldiers who not only fought along the Kokoda Track but who are still fighting for our country today.”
Those four words were emphasised by both students. “We thank Lucy and Milla for their excellent addresses,” Mr Hogan said.
Another excellent performance was delivered, by Mulwala Public School students in singing the National Anthem.
Mulwala Public School students singing the National Anthem.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Wreaths were laid by RSL Legacy and Ladies Auxiliary group stalwarts, by New Moira Shire’s CEO Matthew Morgan and new councillor David Bott of Federation Council, and students from Yarrawonga P-12 and Mulwala Public School.
An estimated 250 people attended Monday’s Remembrance Day service at ClubMulwala.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
In his closing address, the RSL President said Remembrance Day means many things to many people.
“For some, the day and occasion stir up memories of loved ones who have fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Hogan said.
“For others, it’s a time to reflect on how fortunate we are as a country and as local communities, to live in a safe, happy and prosperous country.”
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