As we commemorate the centenary of the final year of WWI there has been a focus on how the sacrifices of the Anzacs have shaped the modern day Australia coupled with a commitment to remember, honour and respect the memory of those who gave so much.
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The sentiments were evident in the addresses given by local school students who told of their own families service history.
Jackson Lane of Merimbula Public School told the crowd about his great grandfather who served in WWII. He talked about a 22-year-old landing on a beach in Italy and being fired upon instantly and jumping into a trench only to come face to face with two Germans and surviving because he managed to pull his pistol out first.
“Later he found two bullet holes in his radio backpack,” Jackson said.
“It’s important for people my age to hear these stories. Today I think of these stories and I’m grateful I live in this great country,” Jackson said.
Eloise Hicks of Merimbula Public School spoke about her great, great grandfather Alfred or Alf as he was known who served in WWI in the 3rd Lighthorse Brigade seeing action in Egypt.
“Alf suffered greatly with malaria and it was the cause of a great many problems for him for the rest of his life,” Eloise said.
“The conflict reshaped the world forever,” she added.
Matthew Campbell of Lumen Christi Catholic College said his great grandfather served in WWI and his grandfather in WWII.
“I can never say that I will be as brave as the Anzacs but I will be ever thankful for what they did,” Matthew said.
Morgan Chapple of Eden Marine High School said her grandfather George had enlisted in 1941 and became a rear gunner in a Wellington.
At that time, Morgan explained, the life expectancy of a rear gunner was three missions, something her grandfather completed.
A training accident left him paralysed on his right side but miraculously he learnt to walk again and returned home to his farm.
“At seven months I attended my first Anzac Day service and I have never missed one since. There is so much that surrounds us that we must be grateful for,” Morgan said.
Next year she plans to join the navy.
In his address Reverend Anthony Frost reminded everyone that WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars.
“And a hundred years ago that was the hope. That fist global war lasted for four years but claimed the lives of over 16 million people,” Mr Frost said.
But it was only 21 years after that WWII began, lasting for six years and claiming somewhere between 50 and 85 million lives.
He said that in the meantime war related deaths from Korea, Vietnam, Iran-Iraq and Afghanistan, have declined.
“Could we finally be learning from the past. Learning the painful lessons of history. Could we be entering a time where peace, world peace is possible,” Mr Frost asked.
“But it will only be possible by our remembrance, faithful and honest remembrance.
“We remember the men and women who were prepared to give their lives for the peace and freedom that we enjoy today. We honour them, We honour their sacrifice. We mourn their loss,” Mr Frost said.
The Last Post rang out as everyone stood to attention in the silence that followed.
Jemima Moodie then sang the national anthem unaccompanied. It was a lovely rendition which earned her plenty of praise from those attending.
The Sapphire Coast Concert Band also played at the service.
The service was preceded by the traditional march from the Merimbula RSL Club to the war memorial.
