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Remembrance Day

On the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

This history

At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.

The conflict had mobilised over 70 million people, left between 9 and 13 million dead and as many as one third of these with no grave.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. It became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War Two to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.

Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts are commemorated on Remembrance Day.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Remembrance Day Dinner

Saturday 9th November

Price: $70 per head $35 per head Veterans and partners

$70 per head for affiliate and partners

When booking please indicate if there are any special dietary requirements.

Time: 6:30pm at the RSL for a 7Pm start.

Dress Code: After Five wear with miniatures where appropriate.

RSVP: No later than Tuesday 5^th November 2024, for catering purposes.

The Red Poppy

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae first described the red poppy, the Flanders’ poppy, as the flower of remembrance.

At the second battle of Ypres in 1915, when in charge of a small first-aid post, McCrae wrote a poem that has come to be known as 'In Flanders Fields'. The poem described the poppies that marked the graves of soldiers killed fighting for their country.

In England in 1919, the British Legion sought an emblem that would honour the dead and help the living. The red poppy was adopted as that emblem and has been accepted as the emblem of remembrance.

The red poppy has special significance for Australians as they were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.

Australians wear a red poppy on Remembrance Day for three reasons:

in memory of the sacred dead who rest in Flanders’ Fields
to keep alive the memories of the sacred cause for which they laid down their lives
as a bond of esteem and affection between the soldiers of all Allied nations and in respect for France, our common battleground.

Today, cloth poppies are sold on, or around, 11 November each year. Proceeds from the sale of the poppies goes toward raising funds for welfare work.

Poppies are for available for purchase at the RSL and in various shops in the Upwey Main Street.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- Written by Colonel John McCrae (1872 – 1918)

2025 RSL Membership $50

Get 14 months of discount for the proce of 12

The League provides it's members with a range of benefits and services, as well as promoting the ties of friendship and caring for veterans and their dependants.

Member benefits:

Discount on drinks and meals

Access to member activities

Reciprocal rights at all Sub-Branches across Victoria

Regular Newsletters

Being part of a club that strongly supports your local community

Buy Membership

Running Rabbits Military Museum

Running Rabbit Military Museum is open:

Thursdays: 10am to 2pm

Sundays: 10am to 2pm

Private tours and Group Bookings via arrangement

museum@upweybelgraversl.org.au

Events and Entertainment

With so much happening at your local RSL, why would you go anywhere else.

Get your friends together, head out locally and live your best life!

View Upcoming Entertainment and Events

Remember Kick Back and Relax on Sunday's with FREE entertainment

Acoustic Music from 1pm to 4pm

Volunteers

We would love to welcome you on board to volunteer. Please see link below to complete expression of interest form.

Full training available

in all facets of business operation and managment.

Volunteer

Donate Your Time

Become A Volunteer

The Impact of a donation

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To support Past and Present Service Personnel

Veterans Support & Events - Service Personnel Past and Present

Providing Assistance

RSL Victoria is here to provide assistance and support to past and present service personnel and their families.

Importantly you do not have to be a member of the RSL to receive assistance from RSL Victoria; you only have to be a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, our Allies, or a dependent of either group.

Explore our support services below or contact us veteran.welfare@upweybelgraversl.org.au

or RSL Vic directly on Veteran Central for direct support.

Veterans Monthly Dinner

First Wednesday of the month at 6pm,

Complimentary dinner for current Upwey Belgrave RSL Service Members and their partners from a special menu.

If you prefer to choose from the Main Menu, Upwey Belgrave RSL Service Members and their partners will receive 50% discount of the listed price.

Upwey Belgrave RSL

1 Mast Gully

Upwey, 3158