Remember to Remember
On 11 November, Remembrance Day is honoured every year nationwide. The day marks the anniversary of the signed Armistice that ended fighting in World War I (WWI), and gives us a chance to honour all armed forces members who passed in the line of duty. On that day in 1918, people rejoiced and celebrated across the world. Despite the late hour, school, fire station, and church bells around Australia rang, waking hundreds of people to share the news; the war was over.
Every year at 11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month, millions silently pause to remember the sacrifices many have made so we can enjoy life today. The impact of the lives lost is still being heavily carried, even by those who didn’t live through it due to the stories and connections we carry forward. This highlights how important it is that we honour those who lost their lives, so their memory lives on through us. As the RSL has effectively put it: remember to remember.
This November 11th, falling on a Tuesday, hundreds of Remembrance Day services will take place at RSL sub-branches across Australia. You can show support by attending a service, reflecting in silence, wearing a poppy, or donating to non-profits like the Poppy Appeal. There are many local services available for any to attend and honour the past and present veterans in our community.
Local Remembrance Day Service locations include:
Brisbane City:
10:15am – 11:30am (RSL Queensland State Commemorative Ceremony)
Anzac Square, 285 Ann Street, 4000
Ashgrove:
10:30am – 11:05am
Ashgrove Memorial Park, 69 Waterworks Road, 4060
The Gap:
10:40am – 11:30am
Walton Bridge Reserve, 941 Waterworks Rd, 4061
Samford:
10:30am – 11:15am
Samford Avenue Of Honour, Burton Lane, 4520
Mitchelton:
10:50am – 11:30am
Sid Loder Park, Tel-El-Kebir Street, 4053
Bardon:
10:30am – 11:10am
Bardon Bowls Club, 69 Bowman Parade, 4065
Toowong:
10:30am – 11:30am
Toowong Memorial Park, Sylvan Road, 4065
For further locations and information, visit: www.remembertoremember.com.au
If the day or any related matters are a difficult time, there is always support around you whether it’s through peers like friends and family, or resources such as the Defence Member & Family Support Helpline (1800 624 6080) and Lifeline Australia (13 11 14).
No matter how you spend your Remembrance Day, what’s most important is that we remember. Lest we forget.
Author: Isabel Becker
Images credit: Colin Bushell Photography – photos taken at The Gap
