Remembrance Day is on November 11, and with that comes a time to reflect on those who gave their lives or suffered in times of war.
A ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph on Marine Parade next Tuesday commencing at 10.45am. It is a chance to commemorate the many soldiers who served their country. The first one being observed at the end of the First World I.
The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Australians wear a red poppy on Remembrance Day to keep alive the memories of the sacred cause for which they laid down their lives, as a bond of esteem and affection between the soldiers of all Allied nations and in respect for France, the common battleground.
Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was the first to describe the red poppy, the Flanders’ poppy, as the flower of remembrance, in 1915. He oversaw a first aid post and wrote a poem that is known as ‘In Flanders Fields’. The poem described the poppies that marked the graves of soldiers killed fighting for their country.
In the preceding week of Remembrance Day, the Lakes Entrance RSL representatives will be selling poppies and badges at stalls positioned at either Aldi or outside the newsagents on the Esplanade. Proceeds from the sale of the poppies goes toward raising funds for welfare work so if you see the stalls around town please stop and donate.
RSL members, residents and visitors are all welcome at the cenotaph ceremony with light refreshments to follow upstairs at the Lakes Entrance RSL.
