By Alesha Capone
The RAAF Base Point Cook will open its gates to the public for a special ceremony next month.
The Air Force Association (AFA) will hold a public torchlight commemoration on Sunday, November 4, to mark 100 years since the signing of the World War I Armistice in France.
The ceremony, which will also honour the memory of those who served and died in the war, will include a historical aircraft fly past, remembrance ceremony and music from the Werribee Concert Band.
AFA national president Carl Schiller said that although the armistice was signed on November 11, the association had decided to hold the event on November 4.
“The fourth of November is particularly important because 100 years ago on that day, the last Australian deaths on the Western Front were recorded – it’s quite an emotional day,” he said.
Three men who died on that day were from the Number 4 Squadron AFC, which is the acronym for the Australian Flying Corps, the forerunner of the Royal Australian Air Force, which began at the Point Cook base.
The armistice tribute will be held at an AFC memorial built in 1938 at the base.
A memorial wreath, made by members of the 5000 Poppies organisation, will be laid at the memorial.
AFA state president Max McGregor said thousands of people were expected to attend the armistice ceremony.
The commemoration will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 7–8.30pm at the Point Cook RAAF base, Point Cook Road, Point Cook.
For more information, go to raafavic.org.au, email office@afavic.org.au or call 9813 4600.
