100yrs Legacy Bench Front Row: Maria Mackie, Gorden Mackie and Matilda Mackie. Back Row: Vice President of Sub Branch Matt Doyle, Ken You, Ed Hamilton, John Mackie and Jessica Mackie
At 11am on the 11 of November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure peace. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. It became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after WWll to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.
Saturday 11th November 2023 marked Cootamundra’s 105th Remembrance Day Commemoration Service held at Albert Park. As the 11th hour struck, RSL Sub Branch President Danny Whitehead welcomed community members and thanked them for coming together to commemorate those who fought and honoured our country.
The Service included the Hymn “The recessional” followed by the prayer of Remembrance, Psalm 23: 1-6- The Lord is my Shepherd, which was followed with a beautiful piece In Flanders Field (by Lieutenant-Colonel John McRae 1915). The service was concluded with wreath laying, The Ode, Last Post, a moment of silence and the National Anthem.
As this year marks the 100 year Anniversary of Legacy “100 years of Keeping the Promise” earlier this week Cootamundra – Gundagai Regional Council installed a new bench seat which can be located behind Albert Parks Cenotaph as recognition for the 100 years.
President Danny Whitehead stated after the service concluded “This year’s crowd was by far one of the largest he has seen since he has been in Cootamundra since 2017.”
We will continue to commemorate those past and present, of those who fought and have fallen for the arms of our nation for many years to come.
‘We will Remember them’
Chloe Janssen
