A terrific crowd was at Moama Cenotaph on Saturday for the town’s Remembrance Day service.
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Many took the chance to sit under the shade provided by Moama RSL as the clock made its way to 11am.
Wreaths were laid by members of the Moama RSL Sub-branch, Echuca RSL Sub-branch, National Servicemen’s Association, Echuca and District Vietnam Veterans Association, Moama RSL, Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Moama police, Moama SES, Marine Rescue Moama, Moama Anglican Grammar, Echuca Legacy and Echuca-Moama Apex Club.
Murray River Council Mayor Frank Crawley was the guest speaker following Pam Culph’s poignant rendition of In Flanders Fields.
Moama RSL Sub-branch president Ken Jones provided a heartfelt version of The Ode of Remembrance.
Bugler Laticia Tomkinson played The Last Post and Reveille, as the Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom flags were raised from half-mast.
Mr Jones was heartened to see so many young faces at the cenotaph for the service.
“Every RSL member appreciates seeing young people wanting to be part of this link with our country’s military history, and wearing family medals on the right side of their chest is a wonderful sign of awareness and, we hope, of pride and respect,” Mr Jones said.
“It has a simple message of sacrifice, of a debt owed by those of us here today, and of course the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has always had a certain drama and, yes, relief about it.”
Mr Jones made special mention of the many who made a contribution to the service.
“Our guest speaker, Mayor Frank Crawley, our bugler Laticia Tomkinson, sub-branch members for their input and setting this up today,” he said.
“President Stan Barker, CEO Ash Menzies and the board of directors of the Moama RSL, and the magnificent staff of the RSL.
“Murray River Council, Inspector Paul Huggett, the Riv Herald and more importantly to you, the people, who give us great support to make this day a special day.
“Without you, we couldn’t have these events and we appreciate your attendance here today.”
The public was invited to enjoy some refreshments at Moama RSL following the service.