Mapleton RSL sub-branch president Matt Dykes.
Mapleton residents gathered in solemn remembrance on November 11, joining communities across Australia and New Zealand to honour the men and women who gave their lives in military service.
The Remembrance Day service, conducted by Mapleton RSL Sub-branch, brought together veterans, school students, community organisations and residents to reflect on the sacrifices of more than 102,000 Australians who have died serving their country.
The ceremony began with Mapleton State School vice-captains Jandy and Sienna lowering the flags to half-mast, before sub-branch president Matt Dykes delivered a commemorative address tracing Australia's military history from World War I to modern peacekeeping operations.
“We gather not to glorify war, but to commemorate, to remember, to honour, and to give thanks to over 102,000 Australians who gave their lives in service of our country,” Mr Dykes said.
He reflected on the devastating losses of World War I, including the 23,000 Australian casualties suffered during six weeks of fighting at Pozières in 1916.
He also recalled the 39,000 Australians who died during World War II, the sacrifices made in Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam, and the service of Australian Defence Force personnel in more recent international operations.
Mr Dykes reminded those gathered that remembrance was a responsibility shared by every generation.
“It is our privilege and our duty to ensure that their great sacrifice continues to be remembered and honoured,” he said.
Mapleton State School captain Solitaire then recited the moving wartime poem In Flanders Fields, before representatives of veterans' associations, community organisations and the school came forward to lay wreaths.
The ceremony continued with Lloyd Anderson reciting the Ode of Remembrance, followed by the Last Post, a minute's silence and the Rouse.
In recognition of the school's ongoing involvement in local commemorations, Mr Dykes presented Solitaire with a book as a gesture of appreciation to the students, staff and school community.
Those assembled then stood to sing the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.
Mr Dykes thanked the many volunteers and organisations who helped make the service possible, including piper Gordon Ferguson, the Mapleton and Kureelpa Rural Fire Brigades, Blackall Range Lions, Mapleton IGA, MADCA and Sunshine Coast Council staff.
He also acknowledged the sub-branch members, families and friends who assisted with the ceremony.
Following the service, residents were invited to share morning tea provided by Blackall Range Lions.
The gathering was a reminder that, more than a century after the end of World War I, the tradition of remembrance remains an important part of community life in Mapleton.
