On the 11th day, of the 11th month, at 11am, we pause to remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom and peace.
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One hundred years ago on Sunday, November 11, the guns on the battlefields fell silent signifying the end of World War One, the war which was supposed to end all wars.
Greg Laird, president of the Port Macquarie RSL Sub-Branch, said the November 11 date was, and still is, a significant day for all veterans and their families.
“Days like Remembrance Day and Anzac Day are significant because the community comes together to pays tribute to all who have fought for our freedoms,” Mr Laird said.
“This year Remembrance Day holds extra significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
“It was hailed as the war to end all fighting so the exact day and time has always been recognised – even 100 years later.”
Mr Laird said the need for young people to be present in the ongoing conversation about war was vital so that people never forget what happened.
“I see young people learning about our past wars and coming to services that remember our fallen veterans as very important because they are our future,” he said.
“There is a big awareness in schools these days and it was wonderful to see so many young people coming to the services we hold.
“It is amazing how many young people can still relate to veterans and their service with grandparents, great grandparents and even some parents having been in the military.
“These days services are also not just about remembering the 100 years of our past, but also the service of veterans in the more recent wars.
“We also need to continue acknowledging the veterans who are still overseas fighting and on peacekeeping missions.
“A lot of our generation veterans are aging and young people hold the key for future generations not forgetting the sacrifice made for them all those years ago.”
He said on November 11, a service would be conducted at the cenotaph in Port Macquarie from 11am.
“As in past years we will be assembling from 10.30am on Sunday, November 11 and we will start the service with the tolling of the bells.
“From there we will have a short service which will be keynoted by MacKillop College history student Nicola Di Bona.
“Followed by the laying of wreaths and we invite the Port Macquarie community to come down to Town Square for the service.”
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