FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce today joined with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Stuart Robert, in encouraging constituents to pay their respects for those who served Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts by attending Remembrance Day services on Wednesday.
Mr Joyce said that every year at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Australians pause to remember all those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
“On Remembrance Day, we especially honour the more than 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Joyce said.
“I urge constituents to observe a minute’s silence next Wednesday and to attend a local commemorative ceremony.”
Mr Joyce said RSL Sub-Branch services would be held at the following locations:
Armidale, Central Park from 10.30am. The laying of wreaths is invited;
Barraba, Richardson House, Gotha Street, Barraba from 10.45. After the service a plaque will be unveiled to commemorate those Barraba women who saw service during wars Australia was involved with. Reading the Ode will be Mo Whitton, who recently turned 100 and who, as a schoolboy read the Ode in 1924 when dedication of Barraba War Memorial Clock occurred;
Emmaville, Emmaville Central School 10.40am for 10.45;
Glen Innes, Anzac Park from 10.30am;
Guyra, Soldiers Memorial Hall, from 10.45;
Inverell, at the Cenotaph from 11am;
Manilla, Memorial Hall, 10.55;
Nundle, Nundle Public School from 10.45am;
Tamworth, War Memorial Hall, at 10.15am;
Tenterfield, Memorial Hall from 10.30am;
Tingha, Sports and Recreation Club from 10.45am;
Uralla, Alma Park Soldiers Memorial Gate from 10.45am; and,
Walcha, War Memorial, corner Hill and Derby Streets from 10.45am.
Mr Joyce said it was 97 years ago that the Armistice ended the First World War—all fighting ceased at 11am on 11 November 1918.
“On Remembrance Day, and especially during this Anzac Centenary commemorative period 2014–2018, we pay tribute to all those who have died or suffered serving our country over the past century,” he said.
“This Remembrance Day, I ask you to reflect on their sacrifice. I also encourage members of the public to wear a red poppy. You can buy a poppy as part of the RSL Poppy Appeal. The funds raised will help the RSL assist former and current members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.”