By Tanya Faulkner
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Australians and New Zealanders alike gather together in remembrance of those who came before us.
Remembrance Day services were held across Victoria on the morning of 11 November, with Emerald RSL one of many to reflect on the events of World War I and the brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
The service was held in ANZAC Place, amongst the pillars recognising the battles so many Emerald soldiers fought in, next to the newly returned statue of the unknown soldier.
Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney said the statue was returned just in time for the service.
“I am pleased to see the statue of the unknown soldier back in town after a short time being cleaned up and repaired.
“Our soldier is an integral part of our ANZAC place complex built in 2015,” he said.
Around 100 Emerald locals gathered for the service, with representatives from Cardinia Shire Council, local police and SES, Rotary representatives, and several other members of the community.
The main address was given by Emerald RSL vice president Kane Falconer, who said Remembrance Day holds profound significance in Australian history.
“It is a day when we collectively pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, a day to honor their courage, and a day to acknowledge the profound impact their sacrifices have had on our nation.
“As we stand here, surrounded by the echoes of history, it is impossible not to be moved by the magnitude of the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” he said.
Also presented during the service was a poem written by Joshua Dyer entitled ‘One Thousand Men are Walking’, read by Emerald RSL’s Greg Brown.
Mr Dyer was 14 years of age at the time he wrote the poem in 2019, and despite never seeing war for himself, beautifully articulated the challenges faced by those on the battlegrounds of World War I.
Since the release of the poem, MR Dyer has received a letter from the office of The Duke of Edinburgh thanking him for “producing such a moving and heartfelt piece of creative writing”.
Mr Dyer has since attended BBC Hereford & Worcester to pre record for the Sunday Show and received offers from RAF High Wycombe and the NHS Mental Health Veterans Conference in Lincoln to read out his poem for Remembrance.
Emerald RSL member Ken Hall presented the Ode as bugler Matt Ide shared The Last Post for a community in remembrance.
The presentation was followed by a minute’s silence, followed by the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand, the raising of the flags by Emerald Scout Group representatives, and refreshments in the RSL for locals to learn more about the local history and enjoy fellowship amongst each other.
Emerald’s township was decorated with poppies all over the main street to commemorate the day.
