This year I made it to the Remembrance Day ceremony at Kings Park. Apart from the obvious Commemoration it’s not often you get to see the handing over of the ‘Keys to the Crypt’.
Remembrance Day © The Ponder Room
It was a delight to see the swarm of people gathered around the Eternal Flame, so many there was an overflow with standing room only at the back of the main area. On a hot 30 degree day everyone was hugging any shade they could find, and a few of the female dignitaries donned sunshades umbrellas.
Remembrance Day © The Ponder Room
Mr Max Kay AM CitWA started the morning by introducing Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia who gave the opening address. The Honourable Graham Edwards AM, State President of RSLWA read the Ode and the Churchlands Senior High School Band and Choir played while the wreaths were laid.
Remembrance Day © The Ponder Room
It was fascinating to watch the official handing over of the ‘Keys to the Crypt’ to Mr Peter King. The RSLWA is the custodian of the State War Memorial. On the 11 of November every year they appoint a ‘Warden’ who receives the key. This tradition has continued since the erection and dedication of the Memorial in 1929.
Remembrance Day © The Ponder Room
As the planes flew overhead and the crowd stood in silence it was easy to ponder … how lucky we are that standing there all we had to worry about was whether a mobile phone would go off during the minutes silence.
If you’re thinking of going next year make sure you arrive early as parking is at a premium, and take a hat.
Lest We Forget.
Remembrance Day © The Ponder Room
