Sunshine Coast residents are being encouraged to pause to remember the sacrifices of our fallen service personnel.
RSL Queensland is calling the community to ‘remember to remember’ with a minute’s silence at 11am on Monday, November 11.
RSL Sub-Branches will host services throughout Queensland, including 10 on the Coast, to commemorate the lives of those who died or suffered for Australia in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The day was originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting in World War I.
RSL Queensland state president Major General Stephen Day has encouraged everyone, wherever they may be, to pause and remember those who served for our country.
“It is important that we continue to observe Remembrance Day to safeguard their legacy and remember the ultimate price they paid was not in vain,” he says.
“We ask all Queenslanders to ‘remember to remember’ wherever they are – whether that be at work, school or home – and pause for a minute’s silence.
“We encourage the community to wear a poppy and take time at 11am in memory of those who served and sacrificed for our nation.
“This day gives us all an opportunity to honour and acknowledge those who sacrificed their future so that we could enjoy our today.”
Meanwhile the Maroochy RSL will mark the occasion at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph where new plaques have been installed to recognise personnel involved in more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
The plaque makes mention of conflicts in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq 2003-2011.
A second plaque installed on a plinth acknowledges service personnel involved in operations in Somalia, Bougainville, East Timor, Cambodia, Sinai and Rwanda.
Maroochy RSL CEO Jason Scanes said it was timely that the new addition to the Cenotaph coincided with this years Remembrance Day.
“Members of our Sub-branch staff and volunteers have worked to ensure the Cenotaph recognises the ADF personnels’ involvement in more recent conflicts,” he said.
“We hope to see some of our younger veterans attend upcoming services and it goes without saying that the general public want to have an opportunity to show their appreciation and respect at services such as Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day.”
Maroochy RSL President Peter Tsakissiris said the Cotton Tree Cenotaph was a place of recognition and reflection.
“We are so proud to have one of the most beautiful waterfront memorials in the country.
“It has had many upgrades over the years and it remains an important place to take the time to honour and recognise those who have suffered or paid the ultimate sacrifice in all armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”
School children will also acknowledge the day with RSL Queensland’s third annual Draw to Remember initiative to take place across the Coast.
The initiative gives school children the chance to learn about the importance of Remembrance Day from local veterans or Defence personnel and then express their learnings or personal stories through chalk art.
Student involvement has almost doubled from last year, with more than 14,000 students from 177 schools across the state taking part.
This year, 12 schools on the Coast are participating, including Currimundi State School, which will have a visit from Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch.
RSL Queensland Remembrance Day services will be held at Bli Bli, Buddina, Caloundra, Glass House Mountains, Maleny, Mapleton, Mudjimba, Nambour, Palmwoods and Yandina.
Maroochy RSL Sub-Branch will hold a service at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph from 10.30am.
The Buderim community will hold a service at the Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary on Park Lane from 10.30am.
Visit rslqld.org for more information on local services.
