Although the Remembrance Service in Kangaroo Flat was a respectful and solemn event, there was an air of energy with a large turnout of school children.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Kangaroo Flat Primary School enthusiastically sang the national anthem and among the many people laying wreaths, were representatives of the local area’s schools.
Chloe Flemming, 12, was one of three students from Big Hill Primary School chosen to lay a wreath.
Chloe said she had learned a great deal about the military and service from one of her teachers who had served in East Timor.
She was grateful to learn about this from someone who had been through the experience and said it gave her a better understanding and appreciation of days like this.
Chloe’s great granddad also served in both world wars.
Her classmate, Austin Robbins, 11, was also proud to be laying a wreath on behalf of their school.
He said his grandfather told him about the war all the time, what he did and how he helped in the war.
“It’s really good to have people in your family who have been in the war as you feel special and unique,” he said.
John Handley from the Kangaroo Flat RSL said the large turnout of children at this year’s service was wonderful.
“I think they understand it as the teachers instil it into them,” Mr Handley said.
World War II veteran Norman George Addlem died in July this year, aged 96.
He was a founding member of Darwin Defenders - an organisation that commemorates those who sacrificed their lives when Australia was attacked in 1942.
He used to lay a wreath on behalf of the group on Remembrance Day every year.
This is the first service since his death and the group invited his widow, Louine Addlem, and his children, Steven Addlem and Valda Taggert, to carry on Norman’s tradition of laying a wreath on behalf of the group.
It was a sad day for the family, bringing back many memories of Norman.
They said he was a wonderful father with a “witty sense of humour”.
“It’s sad he’s not here and that he didn’t quite make it, but we’re very proud of him,” Valda said.
It’s sad he’s not here and that he didn’t quite make it, but we’re very proud of him.
- Valda Taggert