Geraldton residents gather to commemorate Remembrance Day at Birdwood House, thousands raised for veterans

More than 100 residents took to Geraldton’s Birdwood House on Monday to commemorate those who have fallen in war.

In front of a number of veterans, the community came out to pay their respects on Remembrance Day, marking 106 years since the end of World War I.

The service saw veterans take their place front and centre for the formalities, as Geraldton RSL warden Ken Morris gave his speech.

He focused on the idea of continuing to commit to peace, while also being thankful to the community for their continued support.

Mr Morris said November 11 was an important day on the calendar.

“Not all of our members of our nation adhere to any particular religion, but all of them have benefited from the sacrifices made by servicemen over several wars and other major conflicts which have served to keep Australia the free democracy that it is,” he said.

The significance of the day was not lost on Mr Morris, whose grandfather was wounded at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

Mr Morris, who also served, has been a key part of the Geraldton RSL for many years, and organises the Poppy Day collection each year.

He said the collection usually raised about $10,000 to support veterans, with half of the proceeds going to a welfare fund to help veterans struggling financially.

“A lot of employers think ‘we won’t take on the servicemen, they may be mentally damaged or alcoholics. We’ll have to avoid them’,” he said.

“It’s become a real problem for ex-service people in the community, and many of whom have extraordinary skills and would be very valuable employees, if only employers understood the skills that they learned in the services.”

Mr Morris said he was hopeful the Poppy Day tradition would be able to continue.

“I was very encouraged by a young school leaver trying to find a time where she could help to accept poppy donations,” he said.

“That gives me huge hope for the future and encourages me to believe that we’ll continue to honour those who fall and will continue to raise money to help people who have been damaged by their service.”