11/11 in Belgium

Remembrance Day in Ieper Belgium was very different to the bright sunshine of Canberra.

FFFAIF Belgium member Anny Decker sent these photos of the commemorations in a very wet and windy Ieper where the crowds were smaller than anticipated due to the inclement weather.

Anny remembered the soldiers by first going to mass in the Ieper cathedral, where Bishop Putney, the President of the National Council of Churches in Australia was present. 

Photo: Large screen erected in the main square of Ieper to cope with the expected overflow crowd
at the Menin Gate Remembrance Day Service

Photo: The bands assembling for Last Post Remembrance Day Service
at the Menin Gate Ieper

The following photos were taken, at what Anny described as ‘the moving Last Post Service under Menin Gate.’

Photo: Dr Brendan Nelson (right), Ambassador to Belgium,
Luxemburg and the European Union

Photo: Poppies ‘falling’ during the Menin Gate Remembrance Day Service

Members of the  FFFAIF you can read further reports on Remembrance Day commemorations in Belgium by visiting the Members’ Area and read the lastest Waragem Report by FFFAIF member Johan Durnez.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.  

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*11/11/09 in France

Under cold grey autumn skies the people of Fromelles commemorated le 91^eme aniversaire de l’Armistice.

Commemorations commenced at 10am at VC Corner Cemetery with the laying of wreaths at the base of the Cross of Sacrifice.

The commemorations continued under grey skies at the Australian Memorial Park.

At the Cobbers Statue wreaths were laid by members of the community including local school children.

The remembrance procession then moved to the Kennedy Memorial to once again lay wreaths.

At 11 am villagers gathered in the church yard at the Monument aux Morts where they listened to an address by the mayor of Fromelles, Hubert Huchette before attending a service in the church.

These photos have been supplied by FFFAIF member and Secretary FWTM (Fromelles Museum) Carole Laignel. Many thanks Carole.

Next week: Remembrance Day in Belgium.

 

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.

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*11/11/09 in Sydney

The commemoration of Remembrance Day in Sydney took place at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.  A large crowd gathered in perfect Spring weather  to remember those who have served in the defence of Australia’s freedom and the freedom of others.

The Master of Ceremonies for Remembrance Day 2009 Lieutenant Colonel John Moore presided over the traditional service of remembrance.

The Families and Friends of the First AIF was represented by President, Russell Curley at the service.

The following pictorial account of the service has been compiled from photos taken by FFFAIF Vice President Jim Munro.  FFFAIF Member Mat McLachlan was also present.

The 1st Health Support Battalion Catafalque Party and the NSW Police Band heralded the commencement of the service.

A section of the crowd by the Cenotaph in Martin Place.

 The Ode was read by Mr Don Rowe OAM State President of the Returned and Services League of Australia.

 President FFFAIF laying the wreath on behalf of the members of the FFFAIF.

Representatives from the Association des Anciens Combattants Francais were also present, and at the end of the service for the first time, the French flag was raised and following the laying of tributes, the Australian and French National Anthem were played by the NSW Police Band.

LEST WE FORGET

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.

Read Full Post »