Almost every seat outside the Soldier’s Memorial Institute in Pall Mall was taken as Bendigo stopped to commemorate Remembrance Day. 

“Every year, there are more and more people here,” said 94-year-old World War II veteran Norm Smart.

“The younger people, they’re starting to ask questions now.”

Some of their questions, he can’t answer. But he appreciates the next generation’s interest in his and the country’s history, all the same. 

Bendigo’s Remembrance Day service was a reminder of the day’s origins – of war, of sacrifice, and of unity.

Guest speaker Major Michael Carroll based his address on the history records, recognising not only the sacrifices of our men, but of women and of our increasingly diverse defence force. 

“In a world where there is so much trouble, not just in war zones, Australia has always been a melting pot of cultures, no less than it is today,” Major Carroll said. 

“It makes us all the stronger for it.”

He paid tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice, to the men and women involved in all conflicts, and those who lived and continue to live with the horrors of war. 

“The price of freedom should never be undervalued,” Major Carroll said.

Gwen Farley-Smith, who laid a wreath on behalf of war widows, said it was vital that future generations appreciated what had come before them.

Her father, father-in-law, husband and sister have all served. 

“I was only young when the war was on,” Mrs Farley-Smith said. 

“As children, you don’t realise how serious it is.” 

“You hear about the ones that passed away in the town – there might be two or three in the one family, and that’s when it hits home.

“I think it’s wonderful to keep remembering them, which we must do, and with this lovely service today.” 

See the Bendigo Advertiser’s recording of the Bendigo District RSL 10.40am service for Major Carroll’s speech in full.