Remembrance Day 2024

Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Girls and Boys
Good Morning
'I begin today by acknowledging the Dja Dja Wurrung Community, Traditional Custodians of the land on which
we gather today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
Today, we gather here on this solemn occasion to mark Remembrance Day, a day etched in our collective
memory as a time to honour and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in the
pursuit of peace and freedom.
As the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month approaches, we are reminded of the historical significance
of this moment. Remembrance Day finds its roots in the Armistice signed in 1918, marking the end of World
War I – a war that reshaped the course of history and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
This day is not just about recalling the events of the past, but about acknowledging the profound sacrifices
made by generations of servicemen and women. It is a day to reflect on the human cost of war – the lives lost,
the families shattered, and the communities forever changed. The red poppy, inspired by the poignant verses of "In Flanders Fields," stands as a powerful symbol, a visual reminder of the bloodshed and sacrifices made on the battlegrounds.
In this moment, as we observe a moment of silence, let us not only remember the fallen but also express our
gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve. Their courage and dedication have secured the
liberties we hold dear today. It is a debt we can never fully repay, but one we must acknowledge with deep
appreciation.
Remembrance Day is a day of unity, transcending borders and bringing together nations in a shared commitment to peace. It is a day when we stand in solidarity with our allies, recognizing that the pursuit of peace is a collective endeavour. In honouring the sacrifices of the past, we renew our commitment to building a future marked by cooperation, understanding, and compassion.
As we stand here, let us also acknowledge the resilience of the human spirit. The men and women who faced the horrors of war did so with a hope for a better world. It is our duty to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain, working towards a future where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy.
In our schools, let us teach the next generation about the significance of Remembrance Day, instilling in them a sense of responsibility to preserve the lessons of history. Through education, we can ensure that the sacrifices made by our forebears are never forgotten and that the pursuit of peace remains a shared endeavour.
In conclusion, let us carry the spirit of Remembrance Day in our hearts throughout the year. May the red poppy remind us not only of the bloodshed but also of the resilience, hope, and unity that emerged from the ashes of conflict. Lest we forget.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Girls and Boys
Good Morning
'I begin today by acknowledging the Dja Dja Wurrung Community, Traditional Custodians of the land on which
we gather today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
Today, we gather here on this solemn occasion to mark Remembrance Day, a day etched in our collective
memory as a time to honour and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in the
pursuit of peace and freedom.
As the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month approaches, we are reminded of the historical significance
of this moment. Remembrance Day finds its roots in the Armistice signed in 1918, marking the end of World
War I – a war that reshaped the course of history and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
This day is not just about recalling the events of the past, but about acknowledging the profound sacrifices
made by generations of servicemen and women. It is a day to reflect on the human cost of war – the lives lost,
the families shattered, and the communities forever changed. The red poppy, inspired by the poignant verses of "In Flanders Fields," stands as a powerful symbol, a visual reminder of the bloodshed and sacrifices made on the battlegrounds.
In this moment, as we observe a moment of silence, let us not only remember the fallen but also express our
gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve. Their courage and dedication have secured the
liberties we hold dear today. It is a debt we can never fully repay, but one we must acknowledge with deep
appreciation.
Remembrance Day is a day of unity, transcending borders and bringing together nations in a shared commitment to peace. It is a day when we stand in solidarity with our allies, recognizing that the pursuit of peace is a collective endeavour. In honouring the sacrifices of the past, we renew our commitment to building a future marked by cooperation, understanding, and compassion.
As we stand here, let us also acknowledge the resilience of the human spirit. The men and women who faced the horrors of war did so with a hope for a better world. It is our duty to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain, working towards a future where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy.
In our schools, let us teach the next generation about the significance of Remembrance Day, instilling in them a sense of responsibility to preserve the lessons of history. Through education, we can ensure that the sacrifices made by our forebears are never forgotten and that the pursuit of peace remains a shared endeavour.
In conclusion, let us carry the spirit of Remembrance Day in our hearts throughout the year. May the red poppy remind us not only of the bloodshed but also of the resilience, hope, and unity that emerged from the ashes of conflict. Lest we forget.
We will now pay tribute to another of our local WW1 heroes.
Private William Joseph LAMBERT.
Service No. 1577
William was born in Creswick and was aged 22 years & 8 months when he enlisted.
He was unmarried and his occupation was Painter
William enlisted at Creswick on 7th December 1914, in 3rd Reinforcements, 7th Battalion.
Posted to 3rd Reinforcements, 7th Battalion on 12th January 1915
He suffered from influenza on board ship on 17th April and was transferred to the ship’s hospital.
On arrival in Lemnos he was admitted to hospital on 21st April and was discharged to duty on 24th April.
He then joined his Battalion at Gallipoli on 30th April.
Several witnesses reported seeing him killed at 6 a.m. on 8th August at Lone Pine on Gallipoli Peninsula.
His father, Mr William Henry LAMBERT, received a Memorial Plaque, Scroll & King’s Message in 1921.
MEDALS RECEIVED – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
William was one of three brothers who were killed during WW1.
They were all in the building trade, one a bricklayer, one a carpenter and one a painter. All were dead within a
year.
Henry was in the 5th Battalion and landed at Gallipoli on 25th April. He was killed in the tragic events at Krithia, sometime between 8 and 12 May 1915. His body was not recovered and he is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
A few days later on the 15th May, Frank who was in the 8th Battalion died of wounds in Alexandria and is buried in the Alexandria Chatby Cemetery.
William in the 7th Battalion was killed in action at Lone Pine on 8th August and was buried in the trench with
others during that horrific battle. A mate reporting to the Red Cross said that their identity discs were not
collected because bombs were coming over in hundreds. William is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial.
Incredibly a fourth brother Albert, 25 enlisted in March 1916 in the 39th Battalion after the deaths of his
three brothers. He served in France and returned to his parents William and Elizabeth in 1919
Their Nephew John was very proud of his uncles. John recently passed away here in Creswick.
Private William Joseph LAMBERT.
Service No. 1577
William was born in Creswick and was aged 22 years & 8 months when he enlisted.
He was unmarried and his occupation was Painter
William enlisted at Creswick on 7th December 1914, in 3rd Reinforcements, 7th Battalion.
Posted to 3rd Reinforcements, 7th Battalion on 12th January 1915
He suffered from influenza on board ship on 17th April and was transferred to the ship’s hospital.
On arrival in Lemnos he was admitted to hospital on 21st April and was discharged to duty on 24th April.
He then joined his Battalion at Gallipoli on 30th April.
Several witnesses reported seeing him killed at 6 a.m. on 8th August at Lone Pine on Gallipoli Peninsula.
His father, Mr William Henry LAMBERT, received a Memorial Plaque, Scroll & King’s Message in 1921.
MEDALS RECEIVED – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
William was one of three brothers who were killed during WW1.
They were all in the building trade, one a bricklayer, one a carpenter and one a painter. All were dead within a
year.
Henry was in the 5th Battalion and landed at Gallipoli on 25th April. He was killed in the tragic events at Krithia, sometime between 8 and 12 May 1915. His body was not recovered and he is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
A few days later on the 15th May, Frank who was in the 8th Battalion died of wounds in Alexandria and is buried in the Alexandria Chatby Cemetery.
William in the 7th Battalion was killed in action at Lone Pine on 8th August and was buried in the trench with
others during that horrific battle. A mate reporting to the Red Cross said that their identity discs were not
collected because bombs were coming over in hundreds. William is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial.
Incredibly a fourth brother Albert, 25 enlisted in March 1916 in the 39th Battalion after the deaths of his
three brothers. He served in France and returned to his parents William and Elizabeth in 1919
Their Nephew John was very proud of his uncles. John recently passed away here in Creswick.
Poem reading



Wreath Laying
Hon Catherine King MP (Federal Member for Ballarat)
Ms Martha Haylett MP (State Member for Ripon) Councillor Don Henderson for Hepburn Shire Creswick-Smeaton RSL Creswick Brass Band Legacy Red Cross Creswick Lions Club Mr Steve Sellars (Creswick IGA) |
Anglican Parish
Creswick Senior Citizens Creswick Probus Club U3A St Augustine's Primary School Creswick Primary School Creswick North Primary School Creswick Historical Society Patriots Australia Military Motorcycle Club |
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Lest we Forget
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