Mapleton Memorial Park was the setting for a poignant and well-attended Remembrance Day service Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Under good weather, a strong community turnout gathered to honour the sacrifice of all Australians who have served and died in war, conflict, and peacekeeping operations. A notable presence included the school children of Mapleton State School, whose involvement underscored the community’s commitment to passing on the torch of remembrance.
The service, organised by the Mapleton RSL Sub Branch, marked the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I—the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918, when the guns fell silent after years of conflict.
The Cost of Conflict
Guest speaker Lloyd Anderson opened the proceedings, reminding those gathered of the immense and global scale of the loss. He spoke of the generation that was “grateful for their service and traumatised by the war’s enormous cost.”
The toll of war is staggering. In World War I, an estimated 9 to 13 million military personnel were killed worldwide. Australia suffered grievously, with over 61,000 Australian deaths.
Mr. Anderson painted a picture of the widespread tragedy: “The dead lay in cemeteries and unmarked graves around the world from New Britain in the southwest Pacific to Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and the United Kingdom.” He emphasised that “nowhere on earth do Australian’s war dead lie in greater numbers than in the soil of the Western Front in France and Belgium.”
The initial joy of the Armistice was, Mr. Anderson noted, “not unqualified. Too many had died, too many more wounded or made ill by their service in the war. Everywhere communities knew the pain of losing fondly remembered men.”
Honouring All Generations
Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was officially set aside to honour all Australians who have died in all wars following the conclusion of World War II.
In World War II, the scale of loss grew even greater, with estimates suggesting 50 to 80 million deaths worldwide, including military and civilian casualties. Australia lost over 39,000 personnel in the conflict.
Mr. Anderson led the community through a solemn roll call of theatres of conflict, reminding all that the day extends far beyond the First World War:
- “Let us remember those who fell amid the ridges of Gallipoli, in the dunes of Syria and in France and Belgium.”
- “But also let us remember those who fell in the sands of the North African desert, in the mountains and olive groves of Greece and Crete.”
- “Let us also remember those who fought in the jungles and mountains of New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.”
He also specifically mentioned “those prisoners of war that died in Burma, Thailand and Japan,” and those who fought in the “cruel winters and mountains of Korea and in the jungles, paddy fields and hills of Vietnam.”
Finally, the address encompassed modern service: “We also remember those who fought in more recent conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the many peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions undertaken by Australian military personnel.”
A Shared Sorrow
The core message of the service focused not just on the fallen, but on those left behind. “Not only do we honour the memory of those who were killed in battle,” Mr. Anderson stated, “but we share the sorrow of those who have mourned them and those who have been victims of war.”
He also drew attention to the age of the combatants, noting that while the way wars are fought has changed, one thing remains constant: “the men and women who face the enemy in battle… were in the main young men and women. Young men and women with plans, dreams and aspirations. Too many of them never had the opportunity to live the dream or realise their aspirations, lest we forget.”
Laying of Wreaths and The Ode
Following the address, Mapleton RSL Sub Branch President, Matt Dykes initiated the solemn tradition of the wreath-laying ceremony. The long list of community members and organisations called forward to lay a wreath highlighted the broad local support for the day, including:
- The Mapleton RSL,
- The Total and Permanently Incapacitated Association and Legacy,
- The Ex-Prisoners of War,
- Mapleton State School,
- The Montville Lodge,
- Mapleton and District Community Association,
- and the Mapleton Men’s Shed,
- The Blackall Range Lions,
- Mapleton Bowls Club,
- Mapleton Library and Community Centre,
- and the Rural Fire Brigade.
A moving highlight of the service was the performance of the poem In Flanders Fields by the Mapleton School Choir, followed by Mr. Anderson reciting the Ode of Remembrance:
“They shall grow not old, as we who 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.”
This was followed by the playing of the Last Post, the observance of a minute’s silence, and the playing of the Rouse. The service concluded with the singing of the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia, led once again by the Mapleton School Choir.
Community Thanks
Before the park dispersed for a morning tea provided by the Blackall Lions Club, Matt Dykes offered thanks to all involved.
“I’d like to convey our special thanks to the staff and students of Mapleton School. Your continued attendance and involvement with the memorial services here in Mapleton is very much appreciated by the sub-branch.”
He also thanked Gordon Ferguson for “his piping during the service,” and the Rural Fire Brigade for providing first aid support. He conveyed gratitude to the Blackall Lions who provided a morning tea, the Council staff for preparing the park, MADCA for the PA system, and Mapleton IGA for their generous support, venue for poppy sales, and finally, “a big thank you to you, the community, for attending today’s service.”
Mortality figures: Source: Australian War Memorial/Various Historical Estimates, Australian War Memorial.
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