Photos: LYLE RADFORD
Story: LARA HART
REMEMBRANCE Day is a significant event on the calendar.
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month annually, the communities across Australia gather to commemorate the Fallen. Rosewood is one of those communities.
Carmel Luetchford from Rosewood RSL Sub Branch has been part of the day’s events for many years.
“Last year’s ceremony was well attended because it was on a Saturday, then again, our numbers this year were more than what we’ve had the past few years,” Carmel said.
“I think people are becoming more aware what the day is all about and that’s remembering not only soldiers from the first World War, but all conflicts through the years to current ones today.
“It’s about saying thank you, commemorating and remembering what’s happened in the past.”
Carmel has volunteered with the Rosewood RSL Sub Branch for the past three and a half years.
Her husband was a serving member and both are on the board.
“I am the secretary and he’s the treasurer, then we have a president that’s part of our board as well,” she said.
“From a family point of view, it’s important to remember what’s happened in the past, look forward to the future and hopefully remember what’s happened so we don’t make the same mistakes.”
Each year the program varies slightly to the ones before it.
“This year ,we had over 100 people attend, which was really good considering it was a weekday and most people were working,” she said.
“We usually have older veterans attend, the younger ones are at work.
“The 50 plus age group was probably our main contingent but we also had representatives from four of our local schools.”
Student leaders from Rosewood State High School read aloud the names of the Fallen.
Rosewood State School, St Bridget’s School and Walloon State School students laid wreaths.
“The 35 Squadron from the Amberley RAAF Base have supported our RSL continuously over the past few years and provided our catafalque party,” she said.
“They also provided our guest speaker and laid a wreath.
“It was lovely to see currently serving members come out and support us, not just for Remembrance Day, but on Anzac Day and Vietnam Veteran’s Day as well.”
It’s not only the remembering that’s important, listening and taking note as stories are told is important too.
“I don’t think we have any World War II veterans left now, but our Vietnam veterans have quite interesting stories to tell,” she said.
“The RSL in itself is over 100 years old and there’ve been ceremonies here for a long time.
“Several schools in the area have their own services and it’s wonderful to know these things are still happening.”
