Above: Students from Cranbourne Park Primary School lay a wreath on Remembrance Day.
By Sarah Schwager
MORE than 300 locals flocked to Cranbourne’s Cenotaph on Saturday to remember those who have served or lost their lives in war.
The weather held up for the day, with sun creeping through the trees as guests watched in silence as seasoned bugler John Patti played the Last Post.
The Remembrance Day ceremony was well attended, with Cranbourne RSL president Barry Jones welcoming Holt MP Anthony Byrne, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford.
Lieutenant Tony Halter from HMAS Cerberus was the guest speaker while Deacon Tony Aspinall from St Agatha’s Catholic Church did the reading.
Readings were also presented by Lyndhurst Secondary College captains Steven Zoljan and Clair Gillingham.
Cranbourne RSL administration officer Anne O’Sullivan said it had been a fantastic day and was she very impressed by the turnout, especially as the celebration was held on a weekend.
“The representation from the local schools was outstanding and they were nearly all joined by the school principals,” Mrs O’Sullivan said.
“I was surprised to see so many children.”
Students from Cranbourne West, Rangebank, Devon Meadows and St Peter’s primary schools, Cranbourne and Lyndhurst secondary colleges and Cranbourne Christian College all attended.
“It was great to see people come and remember their grandfathers,” Mrs O’Sullivan said.
“It was really quite touching.”
Cranbourne RSL manager Peter Smith said it was a really good day, and it was great to see the club’s few remaining World War II veterans, aged in their 80s and 90s, come along for the service.
Mr Smith said many Vietnam War and Korean War veterans attended as well.
