The community and schools across the region hosted Remembrance Day ceremonies today honouring the sacrifices made by those who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Member for Light Tony Piccolo MP attended a touching ceremony at Gawler and District College, while Light Electorate staff members also paid their respects at ceremonies at the Mark Oliphant and Trinity Colleges.
With other schools in Gawler hosting events including the Evanston Gardens and Gawler East Primary Schools, Mr Piccolo is “heartened to witness the respect and reverence shown by our young people as they honoured those who have served our country.”
"Seeing our young people take an active role in these ceremonies gives me hope that this legacy will continue to be passed down through the generations,” said Mr Piccolo.
Gawler and District principal Angie Michael remarked that “Remembrance Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.”
“It is through education that we learn not only about the battles fought on foreign lands, but also about the enduring human spirit that strives for a better, more harmonious world,” said Ms Michael.
“Let’s not only remember those who have lost their lives, but also think about the responsibility we have to protect the freedoms they fought so hard for.”
Student leaders Sable Ostrognay and Jai Campbell outlined the history behind Remembrance Day and read For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon and Junior School students laid wreaths alongside Mr Piccolo
Special guest, Former Corporal in the Australian Infantry from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Stephen Lockwood, also addressed the students of how his time serving taught him how you need to come together to help one another.
“You see the bravery and resilience of the people who are in the middle of the conflict, and it reminded me that courage isn’t just about fighting, it’s standing up for what right and doing what’s required,” said Mr Lockwood.
“While the big ward may be over, we still need to strive for peace every day.
“You are the future and the ones who will make decisions on how the world works – even if you’re not soldiers.”
The RSL Gawler sub-branch also held their own Remembrance Day Service at Pioneer Park, with Mr Piccolo laying a wreath alongside other special guests and students from Gawler and District College, Xavier College and Immanuel Lutheran School Gawler.
President of the Legacy Club of South Australia and Broken Hill Inc Legatee Robert Eley CSC and Gawler RSL President MAJ (Ret) Colin Wardrop run proceedings with fellow past and present servicemen and women in attendance and Gawler Riverside Church Leader Darren Dwyer conducting prayer.
“We stand united as a community to honour and remember those who have served,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The Gawler RSL service is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering our history and those who have shaped it – including those right here in our region who have served and continue to do so.”