Remembrance Day services with special significance on centenary of Diggers heading to Europe for First World War
REMEMBRANCE services across the state will hold a special significance as we near the centenary anniversary of ANZAC troops and ancillary staff leaving for duty in World War One.
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REMEMBRANCE services across the state will hold a special significance today on the centenary anniversary of ANZAC troops and ancillary staff leaving for duty in World War I.
Representatives of Government, local councils, the Army, Navy and Air Force, Returned and Services League and local schools will join to honour the sacrifices of those who have fallen and served in times of war.
In cities and towns, from Ceduna to Mt Gambier services start at 11am.
The time and date commemorates the “11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month” that coincides with the signing of the armistices that signalled the end of Great War hostilities on November 11, 1918.
The nation’s first contingent of troops of the Australian Imperial Force left Albany by ship in Western Australia for the battlefields of Europe on November 1, 1914.
Veterans from World War II, Korean conflict, Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars and actions in Afghanistan will attend services today.
Traditional programs will include the Ode of Remembrance (Lest We Forget), a bugle solo of the Last Post, the observation of a minute’s silence and the playing of the national anthem.
Eight South Australians awarded the Victoria Cross for heroic deeds during World War I will be commended as part of Centennial Park’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
Centennial Park is hosting the travelling historical exhibition The Bravest of the Brave in honour of the Anzac Centenary.
The exhibition tells the stories of eight ordinary men who, under extraordinary circumstances, demonstrated remarkable heroism.
On display are replica medals, photos and personal profiles of SA soldiers Arthur Blackburn, Phillip Davey, Roy Inwood, Jørgen Jensen, John Leak, Arthur Sullivan, Lawrence Weathers and James Park Woods.
Centennial Park’s service will take place in Derrick Gardens beneath two pine trees reputedly grown from the seeds of Lone Pine in Turkey, the site of Australia’s main war memorial in Gallipoli where the Battle of Lone Pine was fought in 1915.
Year 12 Scotch College student, Harriet Whittle, will give an address and the Scotch College pipes and drums band and Walford Girls choir will perform.
Australian flags adorning over 3500 memorial headstones will also provide a moving backdrop for the cemetery’s annual tradition.
The main Adelaide remembrance service starts at 10.45am at the State National War Memorial, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.
The RSL has advised to check with its sub branches, churches, or councils for precise details on timings and locations of today’s remembrance day services.
Charlee is good company for her beloved grandpa
VIETNAM veteran John England, OAM, was thrilled when he heard his new granddaughter was to be named “Charlee”.
The Reynella East resident, with four granddaughters and a grandson, was a member of C Company — nicknamed “Charlie Company” — in 9th Battalion during his Vietnam tour in 1968.
“When I heard the name it was an instant reminder of my time in the infantry,” the 68-year-old said.
“Charlee (Powell) comes out and sees me march each year with the 9th and Remembrance Day is a very special time for my family.”
Mr England was a cadet journalist at the The News in Adelaide when he was conscripted for the war in Vietnam in 1966. He deferred service for 18 months to finish his cadetship but served one tour of about 12 months.
He returned to Vietnam for the first time in 44 years recently to “heal some wounds” and tour some of the battlefields with a group of comrades. “It was a very cathartic experience,” Mr England said.
“In hindsight, I wouldn’t change anything as all these events make you the person you are and I’ve got so many friendships and mates from that time.”
Charlee, 14, a student at Hallett Cove school, loves horse riding. She has an excellent cheerleader in her grandfather, who takes the credit for one of his two sisters becoming a dual Olympic Gold medallist.
His sister is Gillian Rolton, who won gold at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta games in the equestrian team event with her horse Peppermint Grove.
“I got into the riding first and that’s really why Gill got involved with it,” Mr England said. “But I outgrew my horse and got into motor racing that has a lot more horse power.”
Mr England received an Order of Australia Medal in 2009 for services to the veteran community and the Spirit of Gallipoli project.
Originally published as Remembrance Day services with special significance on centenary of Diggers heading to Europe for First World War
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