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‘We should never forget’ plea at Remembrance Day

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Sean Cunningham, Narrandera Argus

The loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts was commemorated by locals on Monday during a Remembrance Day service at the Narrandera Memorial Gardens on Monday.

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, people gathered not only in Narrandera, but around the Riverina and Australia-wide, to pause to remember those who have fought and died in conflicts around the globe so we can enjoy the lives we have today.

At this time in 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare when the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) to secure a peace settlement, resulting in them accepting the allied terms of unconditional surrender.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War Two to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.

Narrandera RSL Sub Branch President Peter Simpson said a smaller than usual gathering observed a minute of silence during the service, to honour and pay respect to the brave men and women who had sacrificed so much during wartime.

“The crowd was a bit low, so the numbers were down a bit,” Mr Simpson said.

“Because it was a working day, I don’t think that helped. We had about 50 or 60. The service went pretty well.”

Mr Simpson said wreaths were laid during the service and he and Sub-branch member and ex-serviceman John Sullivan delivered an address.

“It was a pretty short service,” Mr Simpson said.

“I gave just a general talk about why Australians went overseas to fight in another country and what happened and what we did in wartime.

“John Sullivan said we should never forget and I think that should be embedded in all Australians’ minds.

“Everything would’ve been different here if our soldiers didn’t go to war.” 

Narrandera Argus 14 November 2024

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 14 November 2024.

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