Poppy rug presented to RSL by veteran Joan Peterson

When Joan Peterson saw a latch-hook pattern for a striking red poppy, she knew exactly who she wanted to present the rug to.

In perfect timing ahead of tomorrow’s Remembrance Day, Mrs Peterson last week presented the rug to the Warragul RSL branch.

The 102-year-old Warragul veteran began the project about three months ago and after two to three hours every day, the rug came to life.

Mrs Peterson (nee Rawnsley) served as a nurse with the RAAF in World War II.  She was to be one of four Victorian women to be sent overseas.

But, after arriving in Townsville, the government ordered no WAAFS were to leave Australia.

Mrs Peterson remained in Townsville, nursing at Garbutt at the RAAF hospital and living on the base.  It was here that she met Flight Sergeant Stanley Peterson, and after a whirlwind romance they married just two months later.

Their commitment to Australia’s armed forces has continued on through the generations with both a son and grandson also serving.

This year, to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, Mrs Peterson was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate for her “service and contribution to the war effort and to the freedom of nations.”

The medallions and certificates were presented to every living veteran of the second world war.

But to give back to the RSL, Mrs Peterson wanted to mark the anniversary with a special gift to the Warragul branch.

Eagerly awaiting her 103rd birthday in January, Mrs Peterson continues to live independently in a granny flat at the home of her daughter Lyn and son-in-law Ray.

An avid knitter of baby clothes, Mrs Peterson picked up a new hobby in her early 90s when she found the fine knitting and needle threading too arduous for her arthritic hands.

There would be few people in their 90s that would seek out a new hobby.

But her days are scheduled – latch hook rugs and reading in the morning and sock knitting in the afternoon.

Her socks are much sought after treasures for family members and are sent to grandchildren and great-grandchildren all around Australia.

With the poppy now completed, Mrs Peterson has already begun work on her next latch hook project – a rug featuring a sunset scene and giraffes.

Remembrance Day tomorrow, like Anzac Day earlier in the year, won’t be marked by public memorial services but neither will it be forgotten.

Representatives of Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar-Thorpdale and Longwarry RSL sub-branches in Baw Baw Shire will stage brief ceremonies at local cenotaphs with flag raising, wreath laying, reciting of The Ode, Last Post and Reveille.

Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL will mark the day at both towns.

Officials of the four sub-branches said the ceremonies would be short and without normal public attendances but encourage people to pay respects on the day.

Victorian RSL president Dr Robert Webster said the message for tomorrow was to “Remember to Remember” through the words Lest We Forget.

Remembrance Day was first observed in Australia in 1918 and this year is also the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Dr Webster said people could observe the occasion tomorrow by watching the online broadcast from Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, having a quiet reflection, talk with children and grandchildren about the significance of the day and sharing any family history and connection to those that served or still serve today.

The Red Poppy Remembrance Day appeal to raise funds for the welfare and wellbeing of service veterans and their families will still be conducted although also with changes due to the pandemic.

Warragul and Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL’s will have some local sales in the shopping centres but Drouin and Longwarry have opted not to in the interest of safety for the public and volunteer sellers.

RSL Victoria has an online store poppyappeal.com.au through which donations can be made.

Chief executive officer Jamie Twidale said since the start of the State’s Covid-19 lockdown RSL Victoria had provided more than $850,000 in direct welfare to veterans or through its sub-branch network.

During that time there had been 12,800 ‘phone calls and 14,500 emails from veterans seeking support, he said.