At 11am tomorrow, November 11, people all around the nation will pause for a minute’s silence in remembrance of the lives lost in all wars and conflicts.
Remembrance Day was once called Armistice Day as it signalled the end of World War I, when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiegne, France, to end hostilities on the Western Front at 11am on November 11, 1918.
After World War II, the Australian Government agreed to a request from the UK to change the name to Remembrance Day in order to commemorate those who lost their lives in both World Wars.
Now, the day of memorial pays tribute to all Australian lives lost in all wars and conflicts.
It’s an extremely significant day, Remembrance Day, and second only to ANZAC Day, and it is often referred to as Poppy Day.
The poppy’s origin as an enduring symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of World War I as they were a common sight, especially on the Western Front.
As the Central Coast region is home to the highest number of veterans of any region in NSW, residents will be donning their red poppy clasps and attending one of the multitude of memorial services across the Coast to pay homage to the fallen.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Members of Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Sub-Branch have been busily handcrafting poppies for Remembrance Day, with funds raised going to Legacy, a support organisation for Australian Defence Force men and women.
Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Sub-Branch President, Barbara McNab, said there will be a service starting at 10.50am in the club grounds with local school children attending and school captains involved in the ceremony.
“Remembrance Day must be commemorated, just like ANZAC Day, as we need to remember those who fought for our country and our freedom,” she said.
Wyong RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, Tony Drover, said his club would be laying a wreath at a ceremony in the carpark with up to 30 people expected.
“This year, due to COVID, we’re keeping it small and we’ll plan to involve more people post-COVID next year, such as ANZAC Day,” he said.
There will be a service at Toukley RSL Sub-Branch at their cenotaph in the club grounds and The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch will stage a Remembrance Day event with limited numbers in Memorial Park, The Entrance.
In order to comply with current COVID regulations, the cenotaph in Memorial Park will be surrounded by barricades with only one entry and exit point to the seating for 100 who will be required to QR code entry and show their vaccination certificate.
Others are welcome to view the service from other parts of the park, which will include a wreath laying, sounding of the Last Post and participation by local clergy.
President of The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch, Les Mackie, said unfortunately because of COVID, it would be a low-key event but nevertheless a significant commemoration, which will be followed by a luncheon at the clubhouse.
Sue Murray