8 November 2021
RSL Victoria hosted the annual State Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 7, at the Springvale Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery to remember all our Veterans in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
It is the 37th consecutive annual commemorative service, with the first held at the cemetery in 1985. Last year however, it was streamed live due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The service continues to provide a tangible link to the relatives, friends and wartime comrades who have been part of our lives in times gone by.
In his opening address, RSL Victoria President, Dr Robert Webster OAM acknowledged the cost of all wars.
"Today we come together to mark one aspect of the RSL’s recognition of Remembrance Day in this hallowed place amongst some of those who made the supreme sacrifice and those who have passed on subsequently."
Dr Robert Webster OAM
A number of dignitaries were in attendance, including politicians and Defence Force representatives.
Guest speaker, retired Wing Commander Darryl Topp, joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1975.
He said war time numbers are truly staggering.
"Over 100,000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and service women remain where they died on every continent and in every ocean around the world. Many more thousands have been wounded, while the number of Australians who served abroad in war time is eight to nine times the number who have died."
Wing Commander Darryl Topp
But he said those numbers alone do not truly do justice to Australia’s sacrifice.
“For each of the fallen had a family, friends, whose lives were enriched by their love and diminished by their loss. Each added to the life of a city, a suburb, or a country town. Each worked before enlistment as a teacher, a farmer, a labourer, a nurse, a doctor, a clerk, or one of the countless other occupations which added to the prosperity and richness of a nation.”
He highlighted the importance of a minute’s silence, which should encourage remembrance of the sacrifice of those who died, or otherwise suffered in Australia’s cause in wars and conflicts throughout the world.
"By recognising what has been lost to us and what has been gained by renewing our pledge to remember, we declare to all our fallen: they are not missed, they are here. Lest we forget."
Wing Commander Darryl Topp
The service included a flyover by member of 100 Squadron Heritage Flight, Catafalque Party, wreath layings and readings by two high school students.
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