The Port’s RSL sub-branches were expecting to see strong crowds at Remembrance Day services on Sunday as the nation marks 100 years since the signing of the armistice that brought an end to World War I.
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“This year’s service will mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice so it has a little bit more significance than in previous years,” Neil Biggar from Medowie RSL Sub-Branch said.
“Last year we had about 100 people turn out to the Remembrance Day service. We’re expecting a few more this year.”
The Medowie service, held in Lions Park, will include an address from an Air Force chaplain, the sub-branch’s president Ian Harding, prayers, the Last Post and the minute of silence.
All are welcome to lay a wreath at the memorial during the service.
Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch is expecting another big turn out to Apex Park for Remembrance Day on November 11.
The sub-branch has been assured that the first stage of Port Stephens Council’s works to upgrade Apex Park will be complete in time for Sunday morning’s service.
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The fencing was due to be taken down in the park on Thursday.
“Last year we had people standing all the way up the back of the park,” sub-branch secretary Russell Durrant said.
“With Sunday being the 100th anniversary we’re hoping for another big crowd.”
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson is slated to attend the Nelson Bay service. The RAAF will provide the catafalque party and an officer from RAAF Base Williamtown will provide an address.
Students from St Philip’s Christian College will also make an address.
The sub-branch will be selling poppies and badges in Salamander Bay Square on Thursday and Friday.
Eunice Locock’s display of 1000 knitted poppies will be on display outside Wests Nelson Bay Diggers once again on Sunday.
In addition to Raymond Terrace RSL Sub-Branch’s Remembrance Day service in Jacaranda Avenue on Sunday, a special international tribute has been planned at the newly installed flagpole in the roundabout of Port Stephens and William streets.
The tribute will begin at 5pm.
“At this time all around the world Australian and international pipe bands and pipers will play the tune ‘The Battle’s O’er’, composed a century ago to remember those who served and paid the supreme sacrifice,” sub-branch president Vic Jones said.
“Our sub-branch has arranged for solo piper Ron Baillie to mark this occasion.
“All members of the public are invited to attend this short ceremony to commemorate the memory of all veterans and their families who served and sacrificed in that great war.”
Poppies created by school children from Raymond Terrace will be on display at MarketPlace throughout Sunday as part of the shopping centre’s Christmas community event.
Remembrance Day services will also be held in Tanilba Bay, Karuah and Stockton.
Remembrance Day services in Port Stephens
Raymond Terrace: 10.30am for a 10.40am start at the Jacaranda Avenue memorial. Back to Raymond Terrace Bowling Club after the service.
Tanilba Bay: 10.30am for a 10.45am start at the Tilligerry RSL Sports Club memorial, Lemon Tree Passage Road, Tanilba Bay.
Nelson Bay: 10.30am for a 10.45am start at the war memorial in Apex Park, Government Road, Nelson Bay. Refreshments at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers after the service.
Medowie: 10.20am for a 10.30am start at Lions Memorial Park, Ferodale Road. Back to Bull 'N Bush Hotel after the service.
Karuah: 10.30am for a 10.45am start in Memorial Park, corner Memorial Drive and Tarean Road (Old Pacific Highway). Back to Karuah RSL Club after the service.
Stockton: 10.45am at Rawson Park memorial, corner Mitchell and Hereford streets, Stockton.