Rachel Hagan, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Close to 100 people attended the Remembrance Day service at the new Port Clinton veterans’ memorial yesterday (Monday, November 11).
After a lengthy battle to install the memorial, which divided the community, Port Clinton has had its first service at the new memorial near the corner of Yelta Street and Yoolamardy Terrace.
Veteran Michael “Dusty” Millar, who strongly advocated for the memorial and ran the Remembrance Day service, said he only expected 40 people, which was double the regular attendance.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Mr Millar said.
“It’s important to respect all those before us and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“People are currently serving and it’s important we keep those traditions going.
“This town fully supports that sort of thing, it’s all about respect and just reflecting on what people before us have gone through, so we can live the lives that we live here today.”
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we commemorate those who have fallen during conflict.
This date and time mark the anniversary of the moment gunfire ceased and silence fell in 1918, ending more than four years of continuous warfare in World War I.
During WWI, between nine and 13 million people died; since 1860, over 103,000 Australian service people have been killed in conflicts.
State Member of the Legislative Council Frank Pangallo attended the Port Clinton service, after he joined Mr Millar in the battle to install the memorial earlier this year.
“I was determined to come here today and see that first ceremony — and it was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful occasion,” Mr Pangallo said.
“A lot of people were appreciative of it and I’m glad I was able to play a small part.
“It was Dusty who is the one who played a big part in it — he just recruited me to his army.”
Next week, see how others commemorated Remembrance Day with photos of memorial services from towns all around Yorke Peninsula.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 12 November 2024.
