Rotary creates environments of peace
The Rotary International mission statement includes:
“As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.” The Rotary Clubs of Osborne Park and Karrinyup have collaborated with the Returned Service League (RSL) Osborne Park subbranch for the last 4 years to implement Rotary International’s mission statement.
11am on the 11th day of the 11 month is the anniversary of the Armistice Day and the end of World War I. Remembrance Day is an important time to reflect on World Peace and to remember family members and friends who have been involved in conflicts around the world and the sacrifices they have made to create peace.
This year we celebrated with about 150 community members at the memorial built by Karrinyup Rotary Club in Lake Gwellup Reserve. We had lots of support from the Churchlands High School band members who provided a bugler to play the Last Post and the Reveille. Drummers who accompanied the flag bearer to open the ceremony.
The A Cappella choir who sang the Australian National Anthem and entertained us with singing beforehand and Waltzing Matida to entertain us at the conclusion. The community joined in with gusto as they serenaded the Swagman.
Members of the 10 Light Horse (Pinjarra) attended to remind us of their proud history. The first of the mounted units in Western Australia to be officially formed was the Pinjarra Mounted Volunteers raised in October 1862. In World War 1 the 10th Light Horse saw much fighting throughout the campaigns in Sinai, Palestine, Jordan and Syria. In the long advance which was to eventually terminate with the fall of Damascus, 10th Light Horse had the honour of leading the Australian Mounted Division. The Regiment accepted the formal surrender of Damascus on 1st October 1918. The presence of the horse and rider in traditional uniform was a poignant reminder of their actions.
The Veterans Car association brought their old military vehicles to showcase and add to the atmosphere of history and past campaigns.
The Veterans Car association brought their old military vehicles to showcase and add to the atmosphere of history and past campaigns.
Richard Troughton (President of RSL Osborne Park) led the service with great compassion. He spoke of the importance of Peace and the symbolisms of the event being to affirm the importance of peace and not to glorify war. Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of the City of Stirling Mark Irwin, Councillor Teresa Olow, Rotary Distinct Governor Veronica Lawrence and representatives of the Rotary Clubs of Karrinyup and Osborne Park. Reverend David Ingleson led us in prayer.
Following this the community was invited to the Colin Moore Community Centre for morning tea. The opportunity to socialise and share memories and anecdotes was very welcome. The Rotary message of fellowship and fun was widely experienced. A great day and an event to share with the community the key messages of Rotary –“Service above Self “
