A small but sombre crowd gathered at the Oberon RSL Sub Branch memorial at 11am on Saturday, November 11 to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who bravely served our nation in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
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Those in attendance were issued with a red poppy which is worn on Remembrance Day each year. The red poppies were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War. In 2017 NSW RSL placed a fundraising ban on selling poppies in response to that money was being misused by some leading members of NSW RSL.
Oberon RSL Sub Branch president Bill Wilcox recited the ode and welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them,” he said.
“We are gathered here today to commemorate that immortal day when the guns fell silent across Europe.
“The Armistice had been signed between the allies and the Germans for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of WW1 which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, 99 years ago.
“This is a time to remember the sons and daughters of ANZACs who since that time have come forward without question, accepted gladly and discharged fully their responsibilities during World War 1, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan and in peace keeping operations and other conflicts.
“We thank every man, woman and child who, in those crucial years, died so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.
“So let us mourn with pride, but let us also remember with equal pride those who served and still live.”
Wreaths were laid by returned servicemen and women, Mayor Kathy Sajowitz and Manager Oberon RSL Club Peter Price.
Community members listen to the recital of Flanders Field followed by the Recessional.
At the conclusion of the service all joined in to sing the National Anthem.
Lest we forget.