Community & Business
17 November, 2025
A solemn promise to remember
Remembrance Day commemorations were held on Tuesday as the community paused to remember the sacrifice of those who serve and continue to serve our great nation.
More than 70 people attended the community Remembrance Day service held in front of the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts on Yandilla Street.
"This year marks the 107th year since the end of the First World War and the 80th anniversary since the end of the Second World War," Allan Petersen OAM, President of Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch, said.
"Some 40,000 Australians lost their lives and many thousands more were wounded or injured in the course of their military service."
Mr Petersen invited Pastor Brett Dolley to say an opening prayer, after which Mal Norris CSC read the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.
Guest speaker, Cadet-Under-Officer of the 19th Australian Army Cadet Unit, Melanie Greenwood, spoke about the importance of keeping the day of remembrance.
"On this day we pause from our very busy lives to honour the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace keeping," she said.
"More than a century ago, the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
"What was once noise, destruction and chaos became stillness.
"That silence marked not just the end of a terrible war but the beginning of a solemn promise - a promise to remember."
Wreaths were laid by Neville Cullen for the local RSL, Toowoomba Region Councillor Trevor Manteufel, and Captain (AAC) Peter Greenwood on behalf of the Pittsworth Cadets.
Carol McEwan sang the National Anthems of Australia, New Zealand and Britain.
Cadet Ashford McEwan played the Last Post and Rouse.
The raffle winner was Peter Old from Toowoomba, who kindly donated the prize bear back to Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch.
The local RSL committee are grateful to Peter, and the local community, for their continued support.
