Dozens of veterans, dignitaries, students and local residents braved cold and wet weather to mark Remembrance Day in Footscray on Tuesday 11 November.
Held in the Footscray Memorial Garden in Footscray Park, the service included the playing of the Last Post followed by a one minute’s silence at 11am to mark the exact moment on 11 November 1918 when hostilities in the First World War ended.
Members of Maribyrnong council were in attendance, with mayor Pradeep Tiwari among the speakers.
Footscray RSL president Long Nguyen also addressed the gathering and said Remembrance Day was about much more than just remembering those who served in the First World War, but in all conflicts, including the many Vietnamese ex-servicemen in attendance who migrated to Australia following the end of the Vietnam War.
“As veterans of the South Vietnamese military we are living reminders of the support given to us by our Aussie allies in our fight against communist invasion forces,” Mr Nguyen said.
Footscray RSL vice-president Peter Doody then recited the ode, before floral wreaths were laid at the memorial and the Australian and RSL flags were raised.
Attendees returned to the Footscray RSL to escape the rain and enjoy refreshments.
