Around 200 people gathered for a Remembrance Day service, hosted by Sunshine RSL, on Tuesday 11 November to honour those who lost their lives during war.
In a speech, Sunshine RSL senior vice president Brenton Watson acknowledged the courage and gallantry of those who have served, and currently serve, their country.
“For most of us who were born during peace time all wars appear to be far removed from our daily activities. As Australians, we often take for granted our current way of life, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice,” Mr Watson said.
“The Australians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that such rights and freedoms were being threatened. They truly believed that without freedom there could be no ensuring peace.
“In remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognise a tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. These men and women had faith in the future and by their acts gave us the will to preserve peace for all time.”
Brimbank resident John Cranston, who attended the service, said his father served in the 2/23rd Battalion during WWII.
“No one likes wars. My wife’s brother was a Vietnam [veteran]. He came back… he wasn’t the same. We don’t need wars,” Mr Cranston said.
The service was attended by local politicians, veterans, community members, firefighters and school students.
“It’s good for school kids to learn a bit more history about WWI as well as WWII and Vietnam because some of those guys [fighting] were only 19 or 20.”
