At the Lakes Entrance Remembrance Day service last Thursday, local RSL president and master of ceremonies, Geoff Turner, in a touching address, cautioned his audience  that ‘the war to end all wars’ had failed to deliver on a promise.
It was a sentiment not lost on self-confessed first time key note speaker, Flight Lieutenant, Jordan Cowley. The young officer reflected that in 2021, 100 years after the first planes of the Royal Australian Air Force took to the skies, our commitment remained unchanged. He quoted the service motto: “Then, now, always. Past, present, future. Lest we forget”.
Flight Lieutenant Cowley honoured the memory of those who served in the first and second world wars and in Korea and Vietnam. He saluted those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He paid tribute to those returned veterans and their families who continue to struggle long after wars end.
He acknowledged the ongoing service of his colleagues and peers serving overseas and drew particular attention to those recently evacuated from Afghanistan. He reminded observers of the duty towards our allies from other countries, faiths and creeds who fought beside us.
“The tide of time washes the bloody parts away, but again reminded us of the lingering aftermath of battles fought and our pledge to continue to nurture those who returned,” he said.

IMAGE: Ken Eakins, of Blind Bight, and Kelvin Jewell, of Launching Place, made a special trip up to be with their uncle, Graeme Jewell (centre) on Remembrance Day last Thursday at Lakes Entrance. Graeme is a World War II veteran and they are standing beside his memorial plaque. More photos pages 4 and 5. K300-9946