News

Lest we forget

By Daniel Harvey

Nov 11, 2026

Rochester residents, veterans and students came together at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to honour Australian service personnel who gave their lives in war and military service.

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The annual Remembrance Day ceremony brought together local organisations, emergency services and families to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of service personnel.

Rochester RSL president Cameron Lovering led the ceremony and paid tribute to Corporal Brandon Carter, 28, of the Royal Australian Regiment, who died in a vehicle rollover during training at Mount Bundy in the Northern Territory on October 5.

He also reminded attendees of the more than 100,000 Australians who had died in service to the nation.

His opening address emphasised remembrance not as a celebration of war, but as a commitment to preventing future conflict.

Rochester RSL secretary Jonah Gruner, a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant, delivered a commemorative reflection.

“We ask you, Rochester, to remember not to glorify war, but to embolden us all in the pursuit of peace,” he said.

The service highlighted the importance of passing the tradition of remembrance to younger generations.

Rochester Remembrance Day 2026 at Rochester RSL. Photo by Daniel Harvey

Rochester High School's 2027 captains, Georgie, Haley and Lexi, gave a reading, while St Joseph’s Primary School students Mila, Charlotte and Hannah presented local poet Ray Lydiard’s Remembering Them. Rochester Primary School student Lily Kennedy recited John McCrae’s World War I poem In Flanders Fields.

Representatives from community groups and emergency services laid wreaths, followed by the Ode of Remembrance, a period of silence and the Australian national anthem.

The Rochester RSL branch acknowledged ongoing community support, noting its 2026 Poppy Appeal had raised about $5000 to assist veterans across Victoria.

The branch also featured the second edition of Giving in Remembrance, written by former Rochester RSL president John Glover.

The book commemorates veterans buried or remembered at Rochester Cemetery and was updated with additional entries and photographs by Mr Glover prior to his passing.

Copies are available for $25, with all proceeds going towards the maintenance and restoration of veterans’ graves at Rochester Cemetery.

The service concluded with thanks to students, Scouts, volunteers and community members, who were invited to stay for a light lunch and social gathering at the RSL and speak with local veterans.