Geraldton gathers at Birdwood House to honour all who served at 2025 Remembrance Day ceremony

Under a bright, warm sky on Tuesday, the Geraldton community gathered at Birdwood House to mark Remembrance Day — the moment each year when Australians stop to honour those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts.

Community members filled the forecourt at Birdwood House as veterans marched to the portico.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune Joined RSL representatives for the service, which followed the traditional Order of Service.

The arrival of the Catafalque Party was followed was followed by the recital of In Flanders Fields, the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post played by Lina Gedero.

At 11am — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — the crowd fell silent in tribute to the moment World War I ended in 1918.

RSL vice president David Hoare delivered a moving address, reflecting on the futility and human cost of war.

“At 1100 hours on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the armistice came into effect and the guns of war fell silent,” he said.

He spoke of the terrible losses of battles such as Fromelles, where thousands of Australian soldiers were killed or wounded, and shared personal stories of service from his own family — his grandfather in the Royal Horse Artillery, his father who landed on D-Day in 1944 and his son who served four tours in Afghanistan.

“Today we acknowledge and remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Hoare said.

“Not only do we remember our allies, but also those of the opposing forces who believed they were fighting for a just cause. We will remember them.”

The ceremony concluded with a flyover by the Midwest Aero Club led by Paul “Butch” Pettit and a few cool beers inside the Geraldton RSL.