pearcremem_73367_87: Members of the Pearcedale CFA, John Kutchel, Bryce Holstock, Dot Balcke, Des Kleeman, Moira Kutchel, Lynda Melen and Bruce Melen, lay down a wreath to remember the fallen soldiers.
By Emma Sun
MORE than 200 people gathered to remember the fallen during the Pearcedale Remembrance Day service last Friday.
Sailors from HMAS Cerberus provided the catafalque party for the service, which was held outside Pearcedale Hall.
Those in attendance included HMAS Lieutenant Commander Brian Ferrie, City of Casey Balla Balla Ward Councillor Geoff Ablett, Flinders MP Greg Hunt, the National Servicemen’s Association, the Cranbourne RSL, Cranbourne Police and Pearcedale CFA and students from Pearcedale Primary School.
In his speech, Cr Ablett said it was thanks to the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought for our country that we could live in a free and democratic nation and that Remembrance Day was a day to honour these people.
“Today, as we remember, we grieve again for the sons and daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, neighbours and valued community members that we have given up to history for the sake of the future,” he said.
“Let us remember them, and honour them with our own lives. We cannot bring them back, but we can make sure that what we create here in our own community is worthy of their sacrifice.”
Lt Commander Ferrie emphasised the importance of people, particularly the youths, continuing the long-running tradition of remembering those who had fallen and paid tribute to the families that had suffered.
“The poppy represents the blood and sacrifice of our people. Let’s not forget the families, as they bear the burden of the losses.”
