Hundreds of Coasties are expected to attend Remembrance Day services around the region on Monday, November 11, as they mark the end of World War 1.
Central Coast RSL District Council President Greg Mawson said this year was the 106th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on the Western Front.
“As we remind ourselves each year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent, and four years of war had come to an end,” he said.
“Remembrance Day is all about respect and recognition for what our forefathers did and sacrificed for us over 106 years ago.
“More than 400,000 served and more than 60,000 were killed.
“Many more returned home bearing the scars of battle.
“There were many who never recovered from their injuries.
“We gather on this day of remembrance to think about the freedom that these heroes gave us that we enjoy today.
“We think about their courage, their values and their resilience.”
Mawson said while Remembrance Day was specifically for those who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War 1, we should also remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in wars and conflicts ever since – World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The conflicts (involving) our Australian military are too many to name but on a day like Remembrance Day it is fitting to remember them all,” he said.
“On November 11 at 11am please show your personal respect for what it cost for the freedom we enjoy today by attending a Remembrance Day service on the Central Coast.”
Mawson said attendance at services has declined dramatically in recent years.
“History moves on but days like Remembrance Day should be observed in memory of those who gave their lives for your freedom,” he said.
“It is especially essential that the younger generations are made aware of the significance of Remembrance Day so they might carry on the legacy our forefathers presented to us.”
“Lest we forget.”
Services around the region on November 11 will include:
- Toukley RSL Sub-Branch at the cenotaph on Main Rd Toukley at 10.45am;
- Gosford Cenotaph on Mann St., at 10.45 am, all welcome (rain, hail or shine);
- Wyong – carpark in Club Wyong at 10.45am;
- Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy’s Bay – 11am in Memorial Park, Brick Wharf Rd Woy Woy ;
- Davistown – 10.55am at RSL Club Memorial Wall;
- Doyalson-Wyee – 10.45am at the Doylo;
- Ourimbah Lisarow – 10.30am for 10.40am start at bowling club cenotaph;
- Terrigal/Wamberal RSL – services running concurrently at 10.50am at Terrigal Foreshore War Memorial and the Breakers Club War Memorial;
- The Entrance / Long Jetty – 11am at the Memorial Park Cenotaph The Entrance followed by a members luncheon at Diggers, Central Coast Aero Club will provide a fly over during the service;
- Copacabana Beach 10.50am at The Green.
- South Lake Macquarie will hold a service at 10.30am on Sunday, November 10, at Dora Creek Workers (Club.Organisers say the date is more user-friendly to younger veterans, families and schools).
- The Last Post and Rouse will be played at the appointed time on November 11 at the club.
Nothing at Gosford Memorial?
Service at Gosford Cenotaph, Mann St or Park.????
Thank you, yes! Gosford Cenotaph on Mann St., at 10.45 am, all welcome (rain, hail or shine);