MOREE paused and reflected at 11am today, with a large group of people observing a special Remembrance Day at the Moree Services Club memorial window.
The service was led by young members of Moree Air Force Cadets and students from St Philomena’s School.
Students and cadets were joined by dignitaries including master of ceremonies Roger Butler, Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams, RSL NSW north-west district president John Tramby, airforce cadets chief instructor Bill Steff, Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse, deputy mayor Wayne Tighe and councillors Fred McGrady and Debbie Williams, and Moree Legacy president Eric Carrigan.
Students Meg Cooper, William Drogemuller, Chuck Thomas, Peyton West, Sophia Fleming, Penelope Smith, Alexander Hart and Nicholas Hartin laid wreaths on behalf of St Philomena’s School and a large contingent of cadets laid wreaths on behalf of 339 Squadron Moree.
Attendees bowed their heads in one minute’s silence to acknowledge, honour and remember those who served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams said November 11 was an important date on the international calendar.
Significantly, he said, students and cadets were an important part of today’s service.
“We had a lot of younger people laying wreaths today, because we need to get the younger generation involved – they are our future,” Mr Williams said.
“It is so important that Remembrance Day is honoured every year.
“The day was first observed on the ceasefire of the first world war, but now covers all wars and the people who served in them, and fought for their country.
“Remembrance Day and Anzac Day are very important – Anzac Day is our day as Australians and New Zealanders, and Remembrance Day is observed right across the world,” he said.
Moree RSL Sub-Branch trustee and RSL NSW north-west district president, John Tramby, agreed it was important to have students and cadets taking part in today’s service.
“We want the next generation to carry on the tradition, when we’re no longer here, and we need to get younger people interested and involved,” Mr Tramby said.
“To keep this tradition going for the next 100 years, we need to teach young people the protocol and procedures and the meaning behind Remembrance Day.”
This year marks 111 years since the start of the First World War, in what was Australia’s costliest conflict.
After four years of continuous fighting, the guns of the Western Front fell silent on November 11, 1918.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Remembrance Day – is a time to not only remember those who gave their lives in service, but also to reflect on the historical events leading to such a day of international importance.
RSL NSW acting president, Brigadier Vincent Williams, said while Remembrance Day is steeped in tradition, its meaning continues to evolve.
“In that single minute of silence, we do something profoundly important – we choose to remember,” Mr Williams said.
“Remembrance Day is not only about the Armistice of 1918, but about every Australian who has served in uniform since, and the families who have carried that service with them.
“It is about honouring lives cut short and recognising the lifelong impact of service on those who returned.”
Mr Williams said the true spirit of the day lies in the thousands of commemorations across New South Wales, organised by RSL NSW members.
“The heartbeat of Remembrance Day is in our towns, schools, memorial parks, and sub-branches across the state,” Mr Williams said.
“For more than a century, RSL NSW members have led their communities in this national act of memory. It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a responsibility we carry on behalf of our nation.”
RSL NSW continues to advocate for better support for veterans and their families, particularly following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide,” he said.
“Remembrance must extend beyond ceremonies. We must ensure veterans living with the cost of service are supported, not left behind.
“After the silence, check on a veteran mate. Send a text, make a call, or invite them over for a brew. “The smallest act of connection can make the biggest difference,” Mr Williams said.
RSL Queensland president, Major General Stephen Day, said it is important all Australians continue to observe Remembrance Day and remember the ultimate price paid by those who served was not in vain.
“To safeguard their legacy, it is important that we continue to observe Remembrance Day,” Mr Day said.
“Although the day was a significant moment for World War I, Remembrance Day is recognised across the world as a day to reflect and pay tribute to those who have died while serving across all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said.
“Working with veterans and their families every day, I know that taking the time to commemorate the sacrifice and loss of those who served on Remembrance Day is one of the most powerful ways you can show support.
“It may be just one minute of silence, but the impact lasts much longer for our veteran community and their families,” Mr Day said.
Thank you to the Moree Services Club for hosting the event and providing refreshments to all
Without their continued support to Moree and district we would not have what we have now