Rochester remembers the fallen

“Tragically, 103,128 lives are listed on this role at the Australian War Memorial. This is an increase of 84 lives over last year alone,” he said.

“It is the solemn duty of the RSL and its members alongside our community and our country to uphold this day, to commit their memory to safe keeping forever more, lest we forget the reasons that we gather, lest we forget the reasons that we remember.”

After his address, Maryanne Lovering sang the remembrance hymn ‘Oh valiant hearts, whom to your glory comes’.

This year's commemorative address was presented by Andrew Mole, who spoke about visiting the Kokoda Track alongside 30 students as part of the Colin Sinclair scholarship.

The trip saw the group trek through Kokoda, following in the steps of fallen soldiers and learning the history and stories of those who lost their lives during the war.

Following Mr Mole’s address, The Last Post was performed, followed by a minute of silence, a flag raising ceremony and The Rouse.

RSL member John Glover then recited the Ode of Remembrance and invited representatives from local groups and community members to lay wreaths at the cenotaph.

A range of poems and readings were also recited by representatives from Rochester 1st Scout Group, St Joseph’s Primary School and the Rochester Primary and Secondary Schools.

To close the ceremony, RSL member John Roberts thanked the community for their attendance and the sponsors who supported the event.