Services honour sacrifice

Crowds gathered last week to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, with Remembrance Day events held in Rockingham on Friday and Sunday.

The Remembrance Day event on the Village Green in Rockingham was well attended by veterans, dignitaries and schoolchildren on Friday.

Lyndon Jackson was the master of ceremonies, while Chaplain James Sutherland was on hand to provide the prayers and blessings.

HMAS Stirling commanding officer Captain Brian Delamont delivered the Remembrance Day address, while Rockingham RSL president Ian Brook led the Ode to the Fallen. Wreaths were blessed and laid before two RAAF jets flew overhead.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Rockingham District Historical Society held its annual Pioneer Memorial Service at East Rockingham Cemetery.

The service was attended by family members of soldiers from the Rockingham Roll of Honour for the Great War, with Stacey Graham giving a citation on the soldiers who served.

Ian Darroch also gave a citation on the soldiers of the HMAT Boonah, who died of the Spanish flu.

St Nicholas’ Church choir sang hymns during the service, including Rock of Ages, Morning Has Broken and Lord for the Years.

This year’s November 11 marked the 98th anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which brought World War I to and end.

Australians observe a minute’s silence around the country in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.