Thousands of Central Coast residents gathered at major services at Gosford, The Entrance and Woy Woy to mark Remembrance Day on November 11 to mark 104 years since the armistice which ended World War 1.
Many smaller communities also honoured the nation’s defence personnel from WWI and the conflicts that have ensued since.
The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch was well supported at its service in Memorial Park, with Federal MPs and representatives from the Police Force, St John Ambulance and Central Coast Council joining veterans, current serving members and residents.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, attended the Gosford service in Kibble Park.
“I am grateful, like all Australians, for the sacrifices the men and women in our defence force has made from the First World War and beyond,” she said.
““They truly gave the greatest sacrifice, and nothing we as a community can do will ever compare to their act of selflessness.”
At the Gosford service, the 311 (City of Gosford) Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets continued tradition in providing a full Catafalque Party and Flag Orderlies to the service.
Cadet Nicholas Wasley gave the address at the service, saying that a number of his family members had dedicated their life to “our freedom and peace”.
“My great grandfather never attended an ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day service as it was too stressful and brought back many bad memories, but others like my father and a number of his comrades are still helping our veterans to get the help that they so truly deserve,” he said.
“Our soldiers, sailors and airmen made the sacrifice for us, so now it is our turn to give back to them.”
Tesch said Remembrance Day serves an important time for the community to reflect and to commemorate those who have and continue to serve..
Members of the Copacabana community gathered on the Green outside the surf club for a remembrance service to mark 104 years since the armistice which ended World War 1 and the conflicts that have ensued since.
The service was organised by the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW, together with local volunteers.
Resident and supporter of veterans, Chris Furse, delivered an Acknowledgement to country and a welcome address.
Her grandfather was at the Somme and Ypres with the British troops and her uncle fought in Burma in WWII.
Ollie Anthony read a poem and spoke about his grandfathers and Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club member Gaz Andrews read a prayer.
Vietnam veteran Major Alan Warren gave the commemorative address and reminded residents of the loss and horrors of war, including the most recent action in Ukraine and the need for peace.
Wreaths were then placed at the memorial by representatives of local MPs and associations with residents and visitors placing flags in front of the Copacabana Naval Memorial as Redgum’s I was Only 19 played.
The Ode of Remembrance was read by Vietnam veteran Roque Hammal, followed by the Last Post, a minute’s silence at 11am and Reveille.
Steph Hall, representing War Widows, gave a short address highlighting the work and the courage of the women left at home before the service concluded with the singing of the national anthem.
Terry Collins