By PETER DOUGLAS
A PASSIONATE Emerald community turned out to the town’s cenotaph last Wednesday, 11 November, for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
An estimated 100 people paid their respects.
In a positive sign for the future, a huge contingent of school-age children were present, who mixed with the many community leaders.
Emerald RSL President, Peter Maloney, spoke about the importance of remembering Australians who had fought for their country, particularly in World War I.
“Our small town of Emerald sent 100 men to the war and lost 32 of these young men in our population of maybe 1000,” he said.
“And that was only the first world war, there were many more young Australians lost in World War II and other conflicts and that is why we stop now and remember.”
Mr Maloney spoke of the symbolism of the red poppy, before inviting dignitaries and members of the public to lay wreaths and poppies.
Among those to participate were Ken and Elaine Hall, who placed wreaths on behalf of the Emerald RSL and the township.
Joining them were school leaders from Emerald Primary School and Emerald Secondary College, as well as the newly elected mayor of Cardinia Shire, Jodie Owen.
Meanwhile, the Emerald CFA firefighters played their part, helping to block the road so the ceremony could take place safely.
