THE community will come together at the Melville Oval cenotaph this morning to remember all the Australian soldiers who lost their lives at war.

Remembrance Day marks the conclusion of the World War One at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
The service will commence at 10.45am today and will finish just after 11am with retired Royal Australian Navy (RAN) lieutenant commander and Hamilton local, Graeme Mustow as the main speaker.
Hamilton RSL sub-branch president, Paul Shewell said he was looking forward to seeing all members of the local community after last year’s tough restrictions left a very limited service.
“I am feeling pretty positive about Remembrance Day as we are finally emerging again after what has been a horrid year for many in our community,” Mr Shewell said.
He said the day meant a lot to himself, RSL members and the wider community - he expected to see a great turnout.
“Remembrance Day is our way of saying thanks for what those who have come before us (did), they’ve fought, died and suffered to enable us to live in a fantastic country with the free lifestyle that we have today,” he said.
“It is our duty to remember what they have done for this country.”
Mr Shewell said having some more freedom compared to last year in the way of COVID-19 restrictions was something he was looking forward to.
“This means a lot to the community and even more to the RSL to be able to hold this service (almost) without restrictions,” he said.
All attendees must be fully vaccinated, with up to 5000 people permitted, providing they adhere to the current COVID-19 rules including a density quotient of one person per two square metres.
Mr Shewell described it as a “beautiful display” with all the poppies at the cenotaph generously contributed by many year-seven Baimbridge College students.
“(They) have been busy making another 2000 to add to the already large number that they put out for Remembrance Day,” he said.
“If schools have purchased a wreath, they will be able to lay it and we will also hand out poppies which can be added to the existing bigger wreaths, and I expect to see school representatives.
“The 315 Army Cadet Unit will have a large number present, and I would also like to thank them for the great effort with poppy sales on the weekend.”