War sacrifices continue

By Sarah Schwager
CRANBOURNE was abuzz with excitement then silent on Sunday as locals gathered to remember those fallen in war.
The Remembrance Day celebrations at Cranbourne Cenotaph went off without a hitch with swarms of local families, schoolchildren, dignitaries and war veterans paying their respects under the brilliant sunshine.
The event, organised by the Cranbourne RSL, included lowering of the flags to half-mast, the laying of wreaths, a minute’s silence and the playing of The Last Post.
Organiser Anne O’Sullivan from Cranbourne RSL said it was a fantastic event, with staff from HMAS Cerberus, including guest speaker Chaplain Jason Wright, attending along with Holt MP Anthony Byrne, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, Casey deputy mayor Kevin Bradford and councillors, and prayers by Father Andrew Wise from St Agatha’s Catholic Church.
Cranbourne RSL president Barry Jones also made a speech while the Australian Air League Cranbourne squadron assisted with the formalities.
Locals were also moved by Chaplain Jason Wright’s speech honouring those who had made “the supreme sacrifice” while serving Australia in times of war.
“We remember the sacrifices made by the original Anzacs and countless others before and since then and for the countless blessings granted to our people in peace and war,” he said.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices made by men and women of our defence forces employed overseas today and we dedicate ourselves to strive for peace, learning from the lessons of our past.”
Chaplain Wright also took time to mention his own comrades in the Navy, Army and Air Force serving overseas.
“The loss of Trooper David Pearce, Sergeant Matthew Locke, Private Bailey and the injuries sustained by Sergeant Michael Lyddiard are all sobering reminders of the sacrifices continuing to be made to ensure our freedom and the freedom of those unable to protect themselves,” he said.