Armistice Day with Mascot RSL

Ron Hoenig MP laying a wreath

I was honoured to attend the Armistice Day Ceremony at Eastlakes Sports Club to commemorate a significant day in our history; the end of the hostilities for World War One bound by the signing of the Armistice on 11 November, 1918. 

Paul Graham, President of Mascot RSL Sub-Branch opened the ceremony with a moving speech as he spoke about the men that left our shores never to return, however, what got my attention was when he said “Freedom will ultimately restore our losses”. Powerful words ... we live in a very lucky country and we should grateful every day to those men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Of course we don’t we tend to take our freedom and democratic rights for granted. And that is the way these courageous men and women would have wanted it, that is what they fought for. 

So several times a year it is fitting and right that we pay our respects and take a moment to honour and remember the nation’s fallen heroes that fought to protect our country.

It was a wonderful morning and not even the pouring rain, and the movement of events indoor could dampen the spirits of those in attendance as they remembered the events and the stories that have been passed down, the celebrations of their victory and how they mourned the losses. It was really so wonderful to see their legacy live on through the sea of red poppies that filled the Sports Club yesterday.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Paul Graham and Ron Hoenig

I was honoured to lay a wreath in remembrance of our soldiers alongside Matt Thistlethwaite our Federal Member for Kingsford-Smith, Cr Ben Keneally Mayor of the City of Botany Bay and Cr Stan Kondilios from City of Botany Bay Council.

I would like to thank Paul Graham, President Mascot Sub-Branch, Les Cannon and Greg Porter, Vice Presidents, Pam Richardson, Secretary, Carolyn McMahon Treasurer and the rest of the executive committee and Sub-Branch members for hosting a wonderful ceremony and inviting me to be a part of it. 

I would also like to thank Paul Boudan, President of Eastlakes Sports Club, Paul’s wife Doreen and everyone from the Club for their hospitality.