A NOTICEABLE yet scattered crowd gathered at the Shepparton War Memorial last Wednesday to mark Remembrance Day.
Restrictions surrounding gatherings actively discouraged people coming out to mark the annual event, however Shepparton locals and some school students watched on from a distance in the park with even some across the road on Welsford Street.
Shepparton RSL sub-branch president, Bob Wilkie, spoke briefly, saying, “We hope and pray that a vaccine will be available for this pandemic next year so that life can get back to normal.”
The RSL had its normal ANZAC Day ceremony strictly curtailed in April, and on Wednesday only 10 members of the RSL committee were allowed to attend, with those members laying wreaths on behalf of community organisations.
“We must spare a thought this morning for all our Australian Defence Force personnel serving in overseas conflicts and missions throughout the world,” Mr Wilkie said.
“We also remember those great Australians who are prepared to commit their body and soul to protect those nations who cannot defend their livelihood.”
The national flags of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom were raised from half-mast, and bugler, Bill Scott, was on hand to sound the Last Post prior to a minute’s silence, ending with a sounding of the Reveille.
