Hundreds braved somewhat inclement weather at the start of the service to be rewarded with bright sunshine by the conclusion of the day’s proceedings.
The service began with a welcoming address by Wonthaggi RSL sub-branch President Kevin Walsh and the Australian National Anthem sung by the U3A choir.
Commander Jason Grivas of HMAS Cerberus delivered the keynote address paying tribute to the 60 local men who served overseas during WW1 and WW2.
“Neighbours, fathers, sons and mates from this lovely town.”
Many more men who were miners in Wonthaggi at the time also served including Private James Richard Hoilloway, a miner from Wonthaggi who enlisted in January 1915 and was killed in Gallipoli in August of the same year.
Special mention was made of the Tunnellers 27 group from Wonthaggi which was part of the Australian Engineering and Mining and Electrical Brigade Company (AEMMBC) which dug tunnels to place mines beneath enemy trenches on the Western Front.
The service continued with a bible reading and prayer by Wonthaggi RSL Chaplain Graeme Liersch, The Last Anzac sung by a choir from Wonthaggi Primary School, and the hymn Abide with Me sung by the U3A choir before the presentation of wreaths.
