Posted by Sam McCurdy
Remembrance Day 2020 marked the 102nd anniversary of the guns falling silent on the Western Front. The ceremonies were vastly different this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.Almost 62,000 Australians died in service from 1914 to 1918 in WWI and the conflict, which was called the “war to end all wars” proved to be anything but. Just over 20 years after the First World War, Australia was again involved in a global conflict, the Second World War, where more than 39,000 Australians lost their lives.
Remembrance Day has expanded over the years to solemnly remember all the fallen men and women who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping efforts.
In Victoria, the COVID-19 restrictions only allowed up to 10 people to congregate at memorials and local cenotaphs this year. Australians were encouraged to stand quietly on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for a minute of silent reflection.
 'Lest we Forget' |
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Berwick, President David Button and Secretary Sam McCurdy placed a wreath at the cenotaph early on the morning of the 11th November, before the small official ceremony at 11:00 am.
