The Portland RSL sub-branch president Norman Richardson hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Portland War Memorial on Sunday, November 11 in the sunshine for local residents.
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A small crowd turned out to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice treaty.
The most decorated member in attendance, Norman Clunes, unveiled the re-dedicated Portland memorial which had the addition of a new plaque.
“For me personally, today means a lot, to remember all the people you served with, friends that you lost, they are always in your mind, so today really means a lot,” he said.
A total of 104 extra names of people with Portland connections who served during World War One were added to the plaque.
“We have managed to add to the memorial a brass plaque on the basis that their names live forever and we wish everybody to know who had put on the uniform put themselves forward and done service for their country during World War I,” President of the Portland RSL sub branch Norman Richardson said.
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“It is worth noting, two Aboriginal men from this area served and were not recognised, that was Alfred George Green and Charles Thomas Green, we tried to find their relatives and the only person we could find was Stan Green...who couldn’t attend today.”
Councillors Steve Ring, Cassandra Coleman and Joe Smith were all in attendance and read the prayer of thanksgiving, the prayer of the Nation and the Commemoration of the fallen.
Different groups laid wreaths at the bottom of the memorial, including Portland Central School and St Joseph’s school.
The ceremony was then followed by a luncheon in the Portland RSL Sport Recreation Club.
Remembrance Day on November 11 is an occasion to honour our servicemen and women and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
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