WHY DO WE STILL COMMEMORATE REMEMBRANCE DAY?

Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day

This is probably a headline question asked by a younger generation.  After all it is over 100 years since the end of WW1.  

Today we live in a hugely different time in so many ways.  In a time when the relevance of Australia Day, Christmas Day and yes, even ANZAC Day are questioned.  Baby boomers and their forebears are such old hat.

What is Remembrance Day – Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day and 2 minutes of silence was observed for the first time at 11am on 11 November 1919 to remember those who died in WW1.   The Australian Prime Minister, Billy Hughes, said of the silence this was no time to speak but to remember. The name was changed after the end of WW11.   This tradition has now been extended to those who have died in later wars and conflicts.

Today the world is on the brink of another war and, yes, it will affect us in Australia.  You, your family, your friends could be called to assist.  If they don’t return would you want them to be remembered for their bravery for ever and ever?  The grandchildren and great grandchildren proudly wear the medals of their forefathers on such a day.

Why do we wear poppies?  The stark redness of the poppies in Flanders Field reminded the living soldiers of the blood spilled by their dead comrades and after the famous poem “In Flanders Field “ written by Lt. Colonel John McCrae .  The poppies became synonymous with Remembrance Day.  Did you know it is disrespectful to wear your poppy after 11th November?  In the early days the poppy worn for the service was then placed on a grave of a fallen soldier.

The Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub-Branch  will proudly hold their Remembrance Day Service at the Circle of Remembrance starting at 10.30am on Monday 11thNovember 2024.

Lest We Forget.

Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub-Branch