[Video report included] At 11am on November 11, thousands of people all over the Central Coast paused to observe one minute’s silence in honour of Remembrance Day, as RSL Sub-Branches throughout the region conducted memorial services.
At Gosford cenotaph, dozens of people chanced threatening rain to pay their respects to the fallen.
Gosford RSL Sub-Branch President, Greg Mawson, conducted the service, reflecting that while the day marked the 103rd anniversary of the signing of the armistice agreement on the western front at the end of WWI, it was also important to honour all Australian servicemen and women who lost their lives not only in the Great War, but in wars and conflicts all over the world since.
“Today is about respect and recognition for our forefathers who sacrificed all for us,” Mawson said.
“We also honour the many who never recovered from their injuries.
“We think about their courage, valour and resilience and lay flowers in loving remembrance with a deep and passionate pride in our hearts.”
“Everyone lost was someone’s son, husband, father, mother, sister or daughter,” he said.
Mawson also paid tribute to the families left behind.
In a service which lasted just over half an hour, wreaths were laid by representatives of State and Federal politicians, Gosford RSL and the Gosford Sub-Branch, Central Coast Council, Legacy, Brisbane Water Police district and service organisations.
With 311 Squadron of the Air Force Cadets performing flag raising and other duties, Squadron member, Mitch Firth, gave a heart-felt speech of remembrance as the descendant of WWI and Boer War veterans.
Alexander Burneikis of Central Coast Brass Band performed The Last Post and Reveille on the bugle, with a prayer offered by Gosford RSL Sub-Branch Padre, Derek Crawford.
Terry Collins