Commemoration
Australia Day – 26th January
Celebrated annually Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.
The Leongatha community celebrates Australia Day with a morning service at McIndoe Park, followed by breakfast provided by the Leongatha RSL, the Lions Club and other community organisations.
The morning service is followed by a citizenship ceremony, guest speakers and children's activities.
ANZAC Day - 25th April
The Leongatha RSL remembers the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli the Ottoman Empire during World War 1 with an annual gathering at the Cenotaph in Leongatha.
Starting with a dawn service outside Leongatha's Memorial Hall, followed by breakfast at the Leongatha RSL.
At 11am Leongatha RSL Veterans, members of the RSL and members of the local community gather to commence a second, large remembrance service outside the hall, followed by a commemorative service inside the hall.
After the commemorative service a light luncheon is held at the Leongatha RSL for special guests. The bistro is also open for bookings.
Vietnam Veterans Day - 18th August
Marked by a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Leongatha, followed by a light afternoon tea at the Leongatha RSL. All welcome
Remembrance Day (Armistice Day) – 11th November
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed since the end of World War I to remember those who have sacrificed. On the 11th of November we mark the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”, in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning.
Armistice Day (which overlaps with Remembrance Day) commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiegne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I.
Remembrance Day 2024
On Monday November 11, 2024 we commemorated the sacrifices of those who have served our great nation.
A Remembrance Service was held at the Cenotaph in Leongatha. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we observed a minutes silence to mark the cessation of hostilities after over four years of gruesome warfare, and to remember those who gave their lives to serving our nation.
Special thanks to Natalie Meadows, Leongatha RSL member for her fantastic rendition of The Last Post and Rouse.
Lest We Forget.
