A CHANGE in location to the usual service gave Remembrance Day a special atmosphere in front of the Bahgallah Memorial Hall, with a large turnout to reflect on the sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women over 100 years ago.

The Casterton RSL sub-branch’s service coincided with the centenary of the hall, itself built in the memory of the locals who served during the Great War of the 1910s.

It welcomed the attendance of RSL Victoria’s state president, Rob Webster OAM, as well as former chief executive Michael Annett and Queenscliff’s Graham Christie JP.

Mr Webster said the size of the crowd was a “fabulous sight” for Bahgallah.

He also said Remembrance Day remembered the “generous spirits” of Australia’s fallen who could otherwise have become scientists, surgeons or even prime ministers.

“Remembrance Day is not about heroes – it’s a day on which we pause to remember and commemorate all those who have died for their country, both at home and on distant shores.

“Once we think of the total number who died, there are many families for whom today brings back personal and individual memories.”

The First World War claimed around 60,000 Australian lives – more than one per cent of its population of around 4 million at the time – and more than 150,000 were wounded.

More than 415,000 Australians enlisted for service during the war, representing nearly 40 per cent of the total male population aged between 18 and 44.

More than 50 of Bahgallah’s old scholars and district volunteers are named on two of the memorial hall’s three honour boards.

The RSL’s service was followed by another dedicated to the memory of the Bahgallah locals who served in the Second World War, with the memorial hall’s new honour board and plaque unveiled.

Descendants of each of the names on the honour board lined their wreaths up along the fences.