Thousands reflect on high price of freedom 100 years after the end of World War I

Just days after a lone terrorist struck in the heart of Melbourne, there was much more to today’s Remembrance Day commemorations than simple recognition of the men and women who paid the ultimate price.

There was much more to today’s Remembrance Day commemorations in Melbourne than simple recognition of the men and women who paid the ultimate price.

One hundred years since the signing of the armistice ended hostilities across Europe, thousands stood silently to reflect on the freedom we had been granted.

But under brilliant spring sunshine, there was an atmosphere of defiance, too.

Just days after a lone terrorist struck in the heart of the city, Melburnians showed up in high number as if to prove the warped ideology of one violent man would never stop them from celebrating their way of life.

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Remembrance Day service attendees at the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Military personal at Melbourne’s Remembrance Day service. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Crowds at the Melbourne service had an atmosphere of defiance after Friday’s terror attack. Picture: David Crosling

Australians gathered around the country to mark 100 years since the end of the Great War. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Premier Daniel Andrews underlined the sentiment as long lines filed into the Shrine.

“There is a lot of healing here today,” he said.

“The size of this crowd and their involvement and optimism, it is a real statement that our values will endure. That our freedoms and unique way of life are much bigger than any act of evil or any ideology that is fundamentally evil.

“So I am proud today of every Victorian who took the time and made the effort to be here.”

A huge crowd filed to The Shrine today. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Military personal march during the commemoration. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Young and old gathered to pay their respects. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Brilliant spring sunshine lit up the service. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Victorian private John Clarence Savage was among the 162,000 Australians killed in WWI.

Part of the 21st Battalion, he died in the bloody Battle of Montbrehain, only days before troops were withdrawn.

His twin brothers-in-law, Fredrick Norman and Frank Ronald Williams, were also caught up in the war.

Great-great nephew Geoff Sheather, of Blairgowrie, said he attended commemorations each year to remember his uncles and try to understand what they’d gone through.

Long after the war had ended, Mr Sheather said its consequences had torn his extended family apart.

The consequences of the war tore whole families apart. Picture: AAP Image/James Ros

Planes fly overheard at the commemorations. Picture: David Crosling

Attendees observe planes flying over the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

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“Now we come to reconnect with anybody who might have known these men,” he said. “We are still seeking answers.”

Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau said 99 years since the first armistice crowds gathered, we still had much to reflect on.

“We reflect with a brief ­silence on that war and subsequent wars and battles and peacekeeping duties that have seen our Australian men and women leave the safety of our shores to serve us all,” she said.

“We remember all who have paid the ultimate price. We remember all those who suffered and have been injured. We remember the family, friends and communities who have experienced loss. We do not forget.”

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