31st State RSL Annual Remembrance Service

The 31^st State RSL Annual Remembrance Service will be conducted at the Springvale War Cemetery, situated within the grounds of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Sunday 8^th November 2015, commencing at 2.30pm.
We would like to see this Service once again be one of our very special commemorative occasions.  This year marks the 97^th year of the signing of the Armistice that ended ended World War I.  The Service commemorates those of our relatives and friends who paid the supreme sacrifice.

This year’s speaker will be Major General Dave Chalmers, AO, CSC (Ret), the First Assistant Secretary, Commemorations and War Graves with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  Last year, Major General Chalmers was the Emcee for the Centenary Service held at Albany, WA, to mark the Centenary of the departure of our first convoy of troops to the Middle East and Europe and, additionally, he more recently acted as the Emcee for the Centenary of ANZAC Dawn Service held at Villers Bretonneux in France.

WIN Television Victoria regional news presenter, Bruce Roberts, will be the Service Emcee.

The use of hired coaches direct to the cemetery and return is recommended.  This option is even more attractive and viable should arrangements be made to allow the pick-up of other Sub-Branch and service group members at designated pick-up points along the route to Springvale.  For those travelling longer distances, perhaps lunch somewhere along the route could be incorporated into the trip.

To make the use of coaches more convenient, Sub-Branches might consider it more economical and appropriate to offer seats to those who are not normally associated with RSL or Unit Association activities.  Perhaps a call to the local press could assist in this way.  Many people throughout the State have relatives interred in the cemetery, whilst many more have the names of relatives commemorated on name plaques in the adjacent garden of remembrance.

Only one tribute will be laid at the Cross of Sacrifice by the Returned Services League of Australia and that will be laid by the State President.  This means that Sub-Branches are not obliged to lay a tribute at the Service although they are encouraged to do so.  Those Sub-Branches that do may consider gifting a book on Australian military history book to a school identified by the Sub-Branch.  Provision will be made for the laying of Sub-Branch, Women’s Auxiliary and personal tributes immediately following the laying of official wreaths.

Only the names of official wreath-bearers and Unit Associations will be announced as their tributes are conveyed to the Cross of Sacrifice. 

Please note that no announcements are made for Sub-Branch, Women’s Auxiliary and personal tributes.  This has worked well in in the past and maintains a smooth flow during this most important part of the Service, while keeping the Service from becoming too lengthy as well as maintaining dignity and respect.

Under cover seating will be provided, however, those desirous of bringing their own seats are well advised to do so.

Medals and decorations should be worn.

A plan showing the location of the cemetery (which is in the grounds of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery) is printed on the reverse of this Circular.

Parking is permitted on any cemetery road other than the Southern end of Second Road and Sixth Avenue along the Southern end of the cemetery.

PLEASE RESERVE SUNDAY 8^th NOVEMBER 2014 IN YOUR DIARY NOW.