At 11am on November 11, the Copacabana community paused for a minute’s silence to mark 76 years since the guns fell silent at the end of WW11 and 103 years since the end of WW1.
A Remembrance Day Service on the waterfront was organised by the Navy Veteran’s’ Welfare Association of NSW, which is based in Copacabana, together with local residents.
In addition to memorabilia of fallen family members, also on display were special montages to recognise the military history of 39,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 and in particular to honour the 42 Australians who gave their lives there.
An address was given by resident Peter Hill and wreaths were placed by VIPs and their representatives, including from the armed services and Federal and State MPs, to the sound of bagpipes, played by Scots Piper, Gaz Andrews.
Legatee Chris Wilson told gathered residents that the dreadful carnage of WW1 left thousands of war widows and fatherless families.
“In 1923, General Sir John Gellibrand and Colonel Stanley Savage saw there was an urgent and drastic need to provide them with assistance,” he said.
“Legacy is a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to ensure the on-going well-being of descendants of those who have served their country and have died in service, or have suffered health deterioration, preventing them from effectively caring for their dependants.
“The first two Legacy Clubs were founded in Melbourne and Hobart.
“Today there are 47 Clubs throughout Australia, including Brisbane Water Legacy (BWLC).
“The assistance BWLC provides for its 1200 adult beneficiaries and 50 children is far ranging.”
Wilson outlined the many services provided by BWLC and said while most widows from WW11 have passed on, Legacy continues to care for those from the Korean War, Malaya, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Afghanistan.
Source:
Media release, Nov 12
John Atkinson