REMEMBRANCE
LEST WE FORGET .
Remembrance Day : a vital tradition for all Australians
Castle Hill & Districts RSL sub-Branch will be holding a Remembrance Service on the 11th November 2024 .
Persons attending are asked to be seated by 10.45am .
The service will be held on the driveway at the entrance to the Castle Hill RSL Club .
77 Castle Street , Castle Hill , NSW 2154 www . chrslsubbranch . org . au
REMEMBRANCE
DAY
11 NOVEMBER , 2024
Lest We Forget
HAWKESBURY • HILLS DISTRICT • BLACKTOWN CITY
INDEPENDENT with Scott Hinks
Every year on the 11th of November , Australians pause for a moment of silence , coming together as a nation to observe Remembrance Day . It ’ s a time to honour the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have fought and died in the service of our country . In a world still gripped by conflicts that take countless lives , this day carries profound significance , reminding us of the true cost of war and the value of peace . It is a solemn opportunity to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy , the sacrifices made to secure them , and the enduring responsibility we share to preserve them .
The history of Remembrance Day dates back to the end of World War I in 1918 , when the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front . Since then , it has come to commemorate all Australians who have died in wars , conflicts , and peacekeeping missions around the world . The significance of the day reaches far beyond the lives lost in past conflicts ; it serves as a reminder that the struggles for peace and freedom continue today . The resilience of those who served , and the values they defended , have helped shape Australia into the welcoming , democratic nation it is now — a place of refuge for many who have sought safety from violence and persecution across the globe .
A constant reminder in the nation ’ s capital of the importance of Remembrance Day is underscored by the presence of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra , which stands directly in the line of sight of Parliament House . This world-renowned monument serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as a powerful message to the nation ’ s leaders : it is a reminder of what lies in the shadows when diplomacy and peace fail . As our political leaders deliberate and decide the nation ’ s path , the memorial ’ s enduring presence is a stark reminder of the human cost of war — a cost that stretches far beyond the battlefield .
The sightline between the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House is no coincidence . It symbolises the connection between the sacrifices made by those who served and the responsibilities of those in power to strive for peaceful solutions . It serves as a call to action for leaders to remember that behind every policy decision and every diplomatic effort are the lives of ordinary Australians who may be called upon to defend the nation .
Reflecting on sacrifice in a troubled world in a time of global instability , with ongoing wars and conflicts around the world , Remembrance Day resonates more deeply than ever . From the tragic war in Ukraine to escalating tensions in the Middle East , countless lives continue to be lost , and the scars of conflict are felt in every corner of the globe . The weight of history reminds us that Australia ’ s own peace and stability should not be taken for granted ; rather , they must be preserved through vigilance and a commitment to upholding the ideals for which so many have fought and died .
The act of pausing to remember on the 11th of November is not merely about honouring the past ; it is also a pledge to learn from it . As Australians come together to wear the poppy and observe the minute ’ s silence , they do so not only in respect for the fallen but also in recognition of the lessons those sacrifices impart . It is a day to acknowledge that while Australia has prospered in peace , there will always be a need to defend it and to support those who have served or are still serving in conflict zones .
The Australian War Memorial serves as a place where the stories of courage and sacrifice are preserved , ensuring that future generations understand the gravity of war and the sacrifices made by those who came before them . As visitors walk through its halls , they encounter not just artefacts and displays , but the stories of real Australians — stories of mateship , endurance , and bravery . These accounts are a reminder that behind every military uniform is a person with a family , a future , and a love for their country .
For many families , Remembrance Day is a time to honour loved ones who never returned from service . It is also a day when the nation comes together to support the veterans who live with the lasting impacts of their experiences . Beyond the parades and ceremonies , there is a shared commitment to ensure that those who served are cared for , respected , and acknowledged for their contributions to the nation ’ s history .
The power of Remembrance Day lies in its ability to bring together Australians from all walks of life . From schoolchildren learning about Gallipoli and the Kokoda Track , to veterans reflecting on their service , the day serves as a unifying moment for the nation . It is a reminder of the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy , and the heavy price paid to secure them .
Australia continues to welcome people from across the world who seek safety from the very conflicts that Remembrance Day warns us against . As a nation built on the values of freedom , democracy , and fairness , it is fitting that we set aside a day to honour those who have fought for these ideals . With the world facing ongoing turmoil , Remembrance Day serves not just as a historical observance but as a call to uphold peace , embrace diplomacy , and ensure that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten .
Lest we forget .
32 ISSUE 113 // NOVEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT