By Parker McKenzie
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Upwey-Belgrave RSL welcomed members and guests to honour those who have fought and lost their lives for Remembrance Day.
Alongside President Anthony Stewart, Senior Vice President Fred Schmager welcomed guests, RSL members and veterans to the service on Friday 11 November.
“They went to songs to the battle, they were young, straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow,” Mr Fred Schmager said, reading a part of the poem For the Fallen.
“They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, they fell with their faces to the foes.”
Mr Schmager welcomed Minister Matt Cutler from the Tecoma Uniting Church to lead those in attendance in the Lord’s Prayer.
“In the scripture, we hear the lines no one has greater love than this, than he who would lay their life down for their friends,” Minister Cutler said.
“Today we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, so I ask you to join me in a prayer known to many of you even if not used that would have been on the lips of many of our friends and family who have gone before us.”
Following The Last Post, Mr Schmager read the poem the Inquisitive Mind of a Child.
“I think you’ll find this poem is very apt given our current world events that we’re experiencing at the moment,” he said.
“We will now lay the wreaths in Remembrance and therefore call upon President Anthony Stewart to lay a wreath on behalf of the RSL and all veterans.”
Wreaths were laid on behalf of Casey MP Aaron Violi and the Merchant Navy, and by Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fulligar on behalf of Yarra Ranges Council and Monbulk MP James Merlino on behalf of the state government.
