AT the Remembrance Day service in the memorial garden on November 11, Yanchep Two Rocks RSL president Bill Jones reminded everyone about the origins of the name.
Originally, the day was known as Armistice Day as it only commemorated the end of hostilities for World War I but the period of silence was introduced as an official part of future ceremonies when the first anniversary of the armistice was held in 1919.
According to the Australian War Memorial after the end of the World War II, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day as Armistice Day was no longer an appropriate title for a day, which would commemorate all war dead.
“In 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring November 11 to be Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to observe one minute’s silence at 11 am on November 11 each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts,’’ the Australian War Memorial said.
Mr Jones said those who managed to survive and return home were the lucky ones.
John Whinnen and Arlivia Flute from Two Rocks State Emergency Service. Picture: Anita McInnes“Our job, therefore, is to never forget those who perished and to ensure society never forgets those who gave their lives in military service,’’ he said.
“Nor do we forget that conflict always involves the civilian population and in the early 20th century in particular almost more innocent animals than humans.
“At least with the advent of modern tactics, equipment and training, losses are much fewer but there will always be casualties.
“We Australians, along with our cousins and close allies across the ditch the New Zealanders, are known worldwide for cementing the name Anzacs into history forever (and) other military forces from other countries have also earned great respect during conflict.
“Nowadays we also tend to spare a thought for those who back in the day were regarded as mortal enemies many of whom are now thankfully great friends and allies.
Colin Corkill lays a wreath on behalf of Indigenous people during the Remembrance Day service. Picture: Anita McInnes“For the last several years, very few of those brave people who served during the earlier wars and managed to return are still with us.
“We who are left must not forget them, nor more importantly, the roughly 103,000 Australians who gave their lives, of which a huge number are in war cemeteries all over the world, never to return home again.
“All service members have helped establish the ongoing traditions of courage in the face of adversity, mateship, compassion for others and the resolve to never give up when there was distasteful work to be done.
“All things we should still strive to achieve, not just in our current military, but in society in general.’’
In summary Mr Jones said the day was simply to pause and pay respects in particular to those who died in helping to keep everyone else living in freedom.
“As has been said probably, many times, but will always be true, freedom is never free.
“It has been paid for with the lives of serving men and women.’’
Joondalup District Office inspector Simon Hazell and Yanchep Police officer-in-charge Jodi Love at the Remembrance Day service. Picture: Anita McInnes
