By Dominique Tassell
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt paused yesterday at 11 am to remember Australians who have given their lives in war.
On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare in the First World War.
In the four years of that war, more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas and more than 60,000 of them had died.
The Warwick Sub-Branch held their Remembrance Day Service in Warwick Town Hall and prioritised youth involvement in the Service.
School children from across the town had a leading role throughout the Service.
They were involved in delivering the Address, Poem “In Flanders Fields”, Pledge of Remembrance, National Anthem and Wreath Laying.
The Sub-Branch has stated that “as our veterans grow older it is important students continue to be more involved in Commemorations such as Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans Day to carry the tradition on and past from generation to generation”.
Students also provided the Catafalque Party and Flag at Half Mast and Mast Head.
Juliana Cruda and Rachael Jordon from Assumption College gave the address, while Harley Heinemann and Madison Marshall from Glennie Heights State School read the poem ‘In Flanders Field’.
Scots PGC students Matilda Judd and Lachlan Groves read out the Pledge of Remembrance, stating that:
Australian soldiers – hear this pledge- your flag flies in the sun
And now we take a minute to remember what you’ve done
When you went away to battle, you were proud as proud can be
And you did it for your country, yes, you flew the flag for me
Now we live our life with freedom when we work and when we play
For that, my heart says “Thank you’ on this very special day
And as we go, we take the words that sing Australia’s song
“I am young and I am worthy, I am brave and I am strong
In the face of any challenge, I will strive to rise above
I deserve this opportunity to live, to learn, to love
I can truly make a difference; my path is up to me
And this is my commitment – be the best that I can be.”
Kristy Bell, Sophie Lambert, Rachael Jordan, Joshua Newcom, Kaitlyn Newley, and Toby Spiller from Assumption College then took to the stage to sing the national anthem.
