As a youngster, as early as primary School, I learnt the phrase “They Shall Not Grow Old”.

I learnt it at School when at 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month the whole school would take 5 minutes out of their year to remember and honour those before us who fought in and lost their lives in the great war.

It was reinforced week in week out when on a Wednesday evening I would attend the local YMCA which used to be held in the local Walkerville RSL hall. We recited the Ode of Remembrance both before we commenced our activities and on completion. We did this out of respect for the owners of the hall.

Living opposite the gates to the Memorial Gardens in Church Terrace Walkerville added to that recognition of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

I have made a point ever since to take 5 minutes out of my day both on Remembrance Day, November 11; and on Anzac Day as a way of starting my birthday, April 25 respectfully.

So tomorrow I will be at the Unley Soldiers Memorial Garden, in my capacity as an elected member of the City of Unley, to represent the Council along with the Mayor and other colleagues who are able to make the time to attend. It is one of the more desirable activities that I get to officially participate in, in my role as an Unley Councillor.

I look forward to being with many others all showing respect and remembering the ultimate sacrifice some made to all ow to have the free society we enjoy today.

And as I contemplate taking time out tomorrow remembering those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations, I took the opportunity to read an article by our Mayor, Lachlan Clyne in his Mayoral website. Click on the link to read his thoughts.

http://mayorclyne.com/2014/11/09/remembrance-day-2014/

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.