(From left) Major Darren Cox, Gawler RSL Vice Presidents Pat Adam and Ian Easton, and Gawler RSL President Paul Little.
Veterans and their families at the service.
Both young and old stood in silence for one minute at 11 am on Saturday 11th November in Pioneer Park, Gawler to honour those young Australians who’s passing we mourn and whose sacrifice we remember.
A few hundred veterans, family, friends and local residents attended the Gawler RSL Remembrance Day Service to Mark the signing of the armistice on the same day in 1918.
Gawler RSL President, Mr Paul Little said the impact of the First World War on our small nation was horrific and we lost the best the nation had at the time.
“Now thankfully, a great many Australians, have no personal experience of war, no way of knowing the anguish of enforced separation, or the greater grief separations made permanent,” Mr Little said.
“The sadness and the memories of war and its meaning can only live inside those who served and the families who waited for their return.
“With the members of this community still serving overseas at this time we must never forget the sacrifice of our serving men and women which in turn keeps this Nation great,” he said.
In his prayer to the service, Salvation Army Major Darren Cox said today he saluted the brave men and women of our defence forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live freely and in safety.
“I thank those who are serving today and I am more than happy to trust them with my safety, my freedom and my comfort in the beautiful land,” Major Cox said.
“I applaud their willingness to sacrifice all for our values.
“But for my eternity, my eternal safety I trust in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice, laying down his life and going through hell so I wouldn’t have to and it is in his strength, and his strength alone, that I endeavour to keep his command to love others,” he said.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the service was simple but respectful, a time to reflect upon, and not boast about the sacrifice made by people at the various war fronts.
“While we need to remember those who gave their life, we should never forget the grief felt by those left behind,” Mr Piccolo said.