Camperdown stops to pay its respects

CAMPERDOWN’S war memorial looked resplendent in the morning sun last Thursday as residents gathered with bowed heads to mark Remembrance Day.

By Support Team

Poppies on white crosses are displayed for each soldier who fought and died at war locally.

CAMPERDOWN’S war memorial looked resplendent in the morning sun last Thursday as residents gathered with bowed heads to mark Remembrance Day.

Flags fluttered in a gentle breeze while blood red poppies adorned small white crosses bearing the names of each local soldier who had paid the supreme sacrifice in one battle or another.

Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) president Alan Fleming said it had been 103 years since the guns fell silent, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

“In all, 17 million people lost their lives in WWI. Another 21 million were wounded,”he said.

“In the final months of the war, Australia had felt the losses even more acutely. Between July and October 1918, just a month before the signing of the declaration, 7000 diggerswere killed.

“Another 28,000 were wounded. However, it was a further year before many of our loved ones were able to return home.”

Mr Fleming thanked those who attended the service.

“We were somewhat surprised with the low numbers given the success of the Poppy Appeal,” he said.

“We raised in excess of $5000 on the street. The response on the street was phenomenal.

“We thank the Lions for their support.”

Mr Fleming said it was positive to have the local schools continued involvement in the service.

“The response from the schools this year has been really good,” he said.

“We’ve been really impressed with the readings and support of all schools in the area.”

Mr Fleming also expressed his thanks to WD News managing editor Stewart Esh for creating a video encompassing the service which will be shared far and wide.