Joint media release

Let’s stand in silent reflection and remember the sacrifice of our fallen men and women of the Australian Defence Force today who gave their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said for more than a century Australians have paused at 11am on 11 November to acknowledge our fallen service men and women.

“Remembrance Day is one of the most important days of our year as it represents a time where Australians can stand together with our service personnel and veterans and remember those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts,” he said.

“Originally known as Armistice Day, this day was in commemoration of the moment the guns of the Western Front fell silent on 11 November 1918 at 11 am.

“Just over 20 years later, Australia joined the Second World War, during which more than 39,000 Australians gave their lives. It was after the wars ended that 11 November became known as Remembrance Day.”

Tragically, over a century of service in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations, more than 102,000 Australian men and women have now made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This Remembrance Day, you can wear a red poppy to show them they will never be forgotten.

Some of the Remembrance Day services being held across Cowper electorate today include:

• Bowraville: a small service and wreath laying from 10.50am at the cenotaph near the Bowraville Ex-Services Club in High Street
• Coffs Harbour: a small service and wreath laying from 10.45am at the cenotaph near the Cex Club in Vernon Street
• Kempsey: a small service and wreath laying from 10.50am at the cenotaph located near Rudder Street in South-East Kempsey
• Nambucca Heads: a small service and wreath laying from 10.50am at the cenotaph near the Nambucca Heads RSL Club in Nelson Street
• Port Macquarie: an indoor service in the Panthers Port Macquarie auditorium at 1 Bay Street from 10.50am. The service has been moved to this club in order to limit the number of attendees due to COVID-19 restrictions.
• Urunga: a small service and wreath laying from 10.50am at the cenotaph near the Cex Golf and Sports Club in Morgo street.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said along with the red poppy, veterans could wear their Veteran Lapel Pin or Reservist Lapel Pin, provided as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.

“Remembrance Day can be a deeply emotional time for Australia’s veterans and their families and some may find this time of year difficult,” Mr Chester said.

“It’s important the community be considerate of veterans and their families and if anyone should need counselling, Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families.

“Open Arms can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website.”

For more information about Remembrance Day, visit the Anzac Portal.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Mr Chester – Rachel Tharratt 02 6277 7820

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744