Remembrance Day 2023 was commemorated in Coolamon last Saturday when Cowabbie Street fell silent as the 11am observance was held.

Veterans and the community stood in silence as people emerged from shops and even vehicles travelling along the street were seen to stop as the community reflected on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Following a welcome and introduction by the President of the Coolamon RSL Sub Branch Alan Smith, he reflected on the losses of so many young men from Australia who lost their lives on the battlefields of Gallipoli and in France during World War One.

Mr Smith focused on those young men from the Coolamon District who did not return and who did not have the opportunity to start their families in the district.

The Rev Scott Mudd led the prayer of remembrance and spoke on the significance of remembering the fallen.

Mr Smith and Coolamon Shire Mayor Councillor David McCann laid a wreath on behalf of the RSL Sub Branch and the Coolamon Shire.

This was followed by the 2023 School Captains from the Coolamon Central School, Baxter Graham, Anabelle Carthew and Thomas Riley who spoke on the meaning of the day to the youth of Coolamon..

Following the laying of wreaths, RSL President Mr Smith recited the Ode to the Fallen and with the sounding of Last Post, Cowabbie Street fell silent at 11am as a minute’s silence was observed.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of New Zealand and Australian National Anthems, sung by Loraine Farrelly and the National Flags of Australia and New Zealand were raised to full mast. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 16 November 2023.