Hundreds of residents attended Remembrance Day services all over the Central Coast, from the Woy Woy Peninsula to the northern reaches of the region on Saturday, November 11.
Central Coast District Council of RSLs President Greg Mawson said most services were well attended, although numbers were a little down on previous years.
“The usual Services such as Doyalson, The Entrance, Toukley, Gosford and the Vietnam Veterans Service on the waterfront at Ettalong saw good numbers of people come to pay their respects to those who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War 1,” Mawson said.
“It must be remembered that Remembrance Day is not exclusive to World War 1, but all subsequent wars, skirmishes and conflicts that have occurred since the ‘War to end all Wars’.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the younger generations attending these Remembrance Day services and taking part (where possible) in the proceedings of the day.
“This year we were blessed with a beautiful day; sunny but not overbearing.
“Most sub-branches invited those attending their individual services back to their local club to reminisce with those who have served in modern times.
“These ex-servicemen and women are the future of keeping traditions like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day alive for the future generations to appreciate.
“Pre- COVID, Services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day were seeing a surge in the number of the younger generation attending.
“This will keep the memory of those who gave their lives so that we may enjoy the freedoms today alive.”
Mawson said many wreath layers on Remembrance Day 2023 were younger people, a pleasing indicator that such an important day would not “fade away into history”.
“The RSL movement here on the Central Coast would like to thank those who attended the various services as we now look towards the celebration of Anzac Day 2024,” he said.
At the Toukley service, more than 150 people attended – 50 per cent of them veterans attached to the branch.
Also attending were Pastor Don Hobbs from Marine Rescue, Warnervale School Choir, Wallarah Community Band and Toukley Pipes and Drums.
VIP wreath layers included Colleen Michael for Member for Wyong David Harris and Theresa Lancaster on behalf Member for Dobell Emma McBride.
Toukley Sub Branch President Ian Collier was MC, Sub Branch Secretary Judith Walker presented the Remembrance Address and 236 Army Cadet Unit and Australian Cadet Corps were Guards of Honor and Flag Bearers.
A spokesperson said organisers had expected attendance to be down, with many families committed to sporting activities and other activities on a Saturday.
At Terrigal Beach up to 300 people gathered to honour our servicemen and women, with around 50 kicking on at Breakers Country Club.
Around 150 people attended the Doyalson service, which was followed by some light refreshments and finger food.
Sub-branch President Bob Dokter said in keeping up with this years’ theme, ‘Remember to Remember’, the sub-branch would host a high tea for the widows of veterans on Thursday, November 16.
“We often pause to remember our veterans; however it is equally, if not more, important to acknowledge the contributions of a veteran’s loved ones,” he said.