The Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch held a Wreath Laying Service at 10.45am on Remembrance Day (Monday) at Bairnsdale War Cemetery attended by close to 100 people.
Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch Committee of Management member John Graham presided and Squadron Leader Susan Stone, Officers’ Training School, Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) Base East Sale led the prayers.
Wreaths were laid by Tom de Voil for the Royal Australian Navy, Gordon Goetz for the Army and SQNLDR Stone for the RAAF.
Ray Rock, Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch senior vice president, gave the address.
“We gather today in solemn remembrance, in this peaceful resting place where 38 Australian heroes have been laid to rest,” Mr Rock said.
“We gather not just to honour their sacrifice but to reflect on the enduring legacy they have left us – the values of courage, loyalty, and service to our country.
“On Remembrance Day, we pause as a nation to pay tribute to those who have served and fallen in conflicts past, acknowledging their bravery, their struggles, and their ultimate sacrifice.
“In war cemeteries across the globe lie the silent witnesses of our history. From the battlefields of Gallipoli to the deserts of North Africa, from the jungles of Vietnam to the sands of Afghanistan, Australians have always answered the call when duty demanded it. “Their stories remind us of the cost of freedom and the price of peace.
“But as we reflect on these stories of the past, let us also consider the challenges faced by the men and women who serve our country today. “The world has changed, and so too have the demands placed on those in uniform.
“In today’s complex and rapidly shifting global landscape, members of the Australian Defence Force face an array of new challenges. In addition to the traditional combat roles that generations of soldiers before them performed, today’s servicemen and women are called upon to respond to natural disasters, provide humanitarian aid, and participate in peacekeeping missions across the world. “Whether they are delivering relief supplies to communities affected by bushfires or serving in volatile conflict zones, their responsibilities are as diverse as they are demanding. Modern warfare, too, has evolved. The battles our troops engage in today are not only fought on physical frontlines but also in the cyber realm.
“Yet, despite these challenges, the spirit of those who serve remains undaunted. Last week, I was fortunate to attend a graduation parade at the Officers’ Training School RAAF Base East Sale, and it was evident that the men and women of today’s ADF continue to demonstrate the same bravery, commitment, and sacrifice as their forebears. Whether in war or in peace, in Australia or abroad, their dedication is remarkable.
“On this Remembrance Day, as we lay wreaths and bow our heads in silence, let us honour not only the fallen heroes of yesterday but also those who stand ready to defend our way of life today. Let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to support them, to acknowledge their sacrifices, and to ensure that their service is respected and never forgotten.
“To those who rest here, we owe an unpayable debt. To those who continue to serve, we pledge our gratitude and unwavering support.
“Lest we forget.”
Following Mr Rock’s address, the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Graham Hall and the service concluded with Federal MP Darren Chester MP reading The Oath from the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.
After the service, Mr Pat Murphy of Legacy and Mr Chester laid wreaths at the Lone Pine.
The Lone Pine has a unique history as its seed came from the Lone Pine of Europe.
