Mercy Health’s Aged Care Homes Commemorate Remembrance Day

This November, various Mercy Health residential aged care homes are paying respect and tribute to those who have fought for their country this Remembrance Day. Mercy residents commemorated Remembrance Day with services across Victoria and New South Wales.

At Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged in Bendigo, Victoria, Lifestyle Coordinator Kylie Paxton organised a service for residents to remember their family and friends who they lost during their time serving at war.

“Remembrance Day is an important date on our calendar as we know we have many residents at the home who are connected in some way to times of war,” Ms Paxton said.

“Each year we put on the service, we pause to remember those who passed serving for our country. It’s something all our staff and volunteers think is important to commemorate and observe a minute’s silence each year."

Bethlehem resident Graeme Martin, who served in the Second World War, dressed in his military uniform and read a passage for the service.

“I am very proud that I served and protected this country. It is so important to me that each year, I’m able to pay my respects to the dear friends I made during that time,” Mr Martin said.

At Mercy Place Warrnambool, in Victoria’s South West, Remembrance Day brings back many memories for resident Avis Quarrel, who was in Sydney with Australian Soldiers, on her 21st birthday.

“Being away from home on my 21st birthday was very challenging, especially during times of war,” Ms Quarrel said.

“My mother knew I was struggling being away from friends and family so she sent two large cakes for me to enjoy. When a Captain I was near got word of the cakes and my situation of being alone on my birthday, he cancelled all of his soldiers leave and threw me a surprise birthday celebration."

“All of the soldiers were dressed in their Sunday best! It was definitely a birthday I will never forget, and I am so thankful for their service."

Warrnambool Lifestyle Coordinator Beverly Stutchbury also organised a service for the residents and ensured the whole home will commemorate through the minute’s silence.

“It’s important to show our residents who served that we respect them and everything they have done for this country,” Ms Stutchbury said.

Over at Mercy Place Colac, the home held both an indoor and outdoor service for residents, which included a very special wreath-laying ceremony.

Resident Les Trigg is a veteran of the Second World War and is known as ‘Trigger’ by his army Cobbers who fought in Papua New Guinea alongside him. Les read the Ode of Remembrance and laid the wreath at the service.

“It’s a bittersweet time of year for me. It’s great to reminisce about all of the great memories of friendship, but it’s also important to remember and acknowledge those who made the greatest sacrifice,” Mr Trigg said.

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