Melbourne City FC players visited Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on Wednesday afternoon, touring the historical site with RSL Victoria personnel ahead of City’s Remembrance Round double-header this Sunday.
Melbourne City FC will draw focus to the significance of Remembrance Day at its double-header, as part of an initiative which aims to help promote the observance of Remembrance Day nationally, raise funds for the RSL and provide benefits to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
One of Melbourne’s iconic historical and cultural sites, the Shrine of Remembrance was built as a memorial to the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I and is now a memorial to all Australians who have served in war.
This year marks the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I and City players Nick Fitzgerald, Eugene Galekovic, Alanna Kennedy and Lydia Williams paid their respects at the Shrine on Wednesday afternoon to mark the commencement of the Remembrance Round this weekend.
At Sunday’s double-header, a commemorative service of remembrance will take place, where players, spectators and officials will honour the sacrifices made by service men and women. Waverley RSL Sub-Branch will establish donation collection points, raising funds for current and former serving members of the Australian and Allied defence forces, and their dependents.
Commenting on the experience, Galekovic said; “Our visit to the Shrine and our connection with the local RSL has given us a perspective on just how important it is for our community to reflect and remember those who have served for our country. Whether it’s taking a moment on Remembrance Day itself to pay tribute, reflecting at our match with a minute’s silence or donating much-needed funds for the RSL, everyone can play their role in helping our community observe Remembrance.”
Kennedy commented; “We hope our visit today and the match on Sunday can help raise further awareness for Remembrance Day and help our fans and the broader community to understand and acknowledge the incredible sacrifices of those who have served. It will be a proud moment for us as players.”
Be a part of Remembrance Round this Sunday at our double header! Click here to get your tickets
