MacKillop College student Nicola Di Bona says Remembrance Day is more than just gathering to remember a past event and hopes to talk to the stories behind the medals in her keynote address on November 11.
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100 years ago on Sunday, November 11, the guns on the battlefields fell silent signifying the end of World War One and at 11am groups around the world will pause to remember the fallen.
“I am so honoured to be able to address the crowd in Port Macquarie on Remembrance Day this year,” Nicola said.
“I have such a strong passion for history and will be studying modern, ancient and extension history in year 12 and I hope to convey my knowledge and understanding in my speech.
“During Remembrance Day speech you would expect the themes of tragedy and glory to be mentioned but I want to go deeper and talk about what they mean and why they should be spoken about.
“It can be easy to see World War One as just statistics from an event that happened long ago but I want to talk about the stories behind the badges we see today.”
Nicola said the 100th anniversary of the armistice was a significant milestone and it is important that people do not forget the past.
“History is so important and remembering our history even more so, so the fact we are at 100 years since the end of the Great War it is vital that we take the time to pause and remember,” she said.
“There aren’t many veterans from that war around anymore so it could be easily forgotten and it is our job to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Greg Laird, president of the Port Macquarie RSL Sub-Branch, said the November 11 date was and is still 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.”
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 Nicola which will be 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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