A small, respectful crowd gathered at the Birchip Cenotaph for this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, honouring those who served and sacrificed. 

Despite the years that pass, the courage and sacrifice of past generations remains deeply valued and remembered in Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country on this day.

In Birchip, the occasion was marked by the solemn sound of Carolyn Hogan on the bagpipes, creating a reflective atmosphere for all in attendance. 

Shane McLoughlan, President of the Birchip sub-branch of the RSL, acted as the master of ceremonies, guiding the proceedings with respect and dignity.

Representatives from Bir-chip P-12 Senior and Junior School and CERT, and Birchip RSL Subbranch and legacy members Noeline Hogan and Judy Living laid wreaths to pay their respects to those who served.

Vera Woods laid a wreath in memory of her two fallen brothers in Papua New Guinea in World War II, in a poignant reminder of the personal cost of war and the enduring impact on families. While the causes of war are complex, the cost remains simple and profound, human lives, dreams, families, and communities and countries are torn apart. 

Robyn Ferrier sang the National Anthem, followed by the raising of the flags by Keira Lowry and Les Cooper and, as the ceremony concluded, attendees chatted about war, those who had served and wondered what we have learnt from the past.  

Peace may not be easy to achieve, but Remembrance Day is an annual reminder that it is not just about looking back, it’s about looking forward, guided by the lessons of the past and remembering that we need to promote understanding, justice, and compassion to work towards a world where future generations live without the shadow of war.