Published on Wednesday, 1 December 2021 at 3:31:37 PM

On the morning of Thursday, 11 November 2021 at 10.30, the flags located on the Visitor Centre lawn were lowered to half-mast.

Surrounded by a sea of red poppies, there was a sense of calmness as community members begun to fill the chairs onlooking the three flag poles that stood proudly side by side.

The service was officially opened at 10.47am with Shire President Mark McKenzie welcoming those in attendance and reading the commemorative address.

“Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the resolution of the First World War…” he begun.

Originally known as the Great War, WWI was a conflict that left more than 9 million people deceased, of which 60,000 were Australian soldiers.

“Today, as we should every day, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died for our freedom."

We thank you, and we salute you,” Shire President McKenzie concluded before inviting forward representatives from Vietnam Veterans, Shire of Merredin, Merredin College, and St Marys, to lay their wreaths.

Aubrey Tompkin came forward to read The Ode before the familiar bugle sound of The Last Post rang throughout the Merredin CBD. At 11am, the crowd paused for a minute’s silence to pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives.

Moments later during the Rouse, an honour guard of three representing WWI, WWII, and Vietnam, raised the flags. The Australian and New Zealand National Anthems then played for the crowd to conclude the service.

The Shire of Merredin would like to thank all those who attended the Remembrance Day service. Lest we forget.

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