Warmun community remembers fallen soldiers

Last week’s Remembrance Day was a very special time in the remote Aboriginal community of Warmun in the Kimberley region of our state, as locals joined together to remember the service of those who have fought in wars for our nation. Royal Life Saving WA Warmun Remote Pool Manager, Steve Waterman, was invited to attend the local school for their special Remembrance Day service.

The service was attended by many members of the Community, including Police and Community Elders and Steve says it was a very memorable event. “I heard stories from former soldiers Owen and Peter Thomas who served in Norforce and also about soldiers from the Community who, during World War Two, kept our borders safe from the enemy. Cecil, a Teacher’s Assistant, told us stories about his Grandfather who was a Soldier during World War Two.”

Steve says, for the children at the school, the service was a time to learn about what Remembrance Day is all about. “Teachers explained the significance of the poppy that people wear on Remembrance Day. Some of the children, who made some poppies in class, gave Peter, Owen, Cecil and myself one each, while three wreaths were laid at the front of the hall for the 3 Community Soldiers who have now passed on. It was a touching moment and I am very grateful to have been included in the commemorations.”

Royal Life Saving WA is pleased to have been able to build such a strong relationship with the Warmun community through our work running the local swimming pool and is very thankful to the locals, especially Peter and Owen Thomas and the Warmun School for holding such special event.