AS war rages in other parts of the world this Remembrance Day, Broken Hill’s Returned and Services League (RSL) will join the many sub-branches around Australia to hold Remembrance Day services at local cenotaphs from 10:30am (for an 11am start) on Saturday November 11.
Broken Hill RSL President, Des Kennedy, reminds us no matter how you choose to commemorate, it’s important we all remember to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to their country in wars and conflicts around the world, to remember those who came home injured in body, mind, or spirit, and to remember those who choose to serve our country today.
“It’s important to remember all those who fought for our freedom, but it’s also important to remember that war creates great suffering over generations,” says Mr Kennedy.
“Broken Hill bushies and miners were the first people off the boats to land in Gallipoli, and I lost mates in wars but we were told to fight for the freedom of our country, so we believed it and we did what we were told to do,” said Mr Kennedy.
“The Broken Hill cenotaph is the only statue of a World War soldier in action on the battlefield that I know of – all the others are standing holding a rifle.”
The Silver City’s 6.4 metre cenotaph at 234 Argent St (on the corner of Sulphide St) is a bronze statue of an Australian First World War soldier throwing a Mills bomb referred to as The Bomber, standing on Harcourt granite blocks with plaques naming the 365 fallen from the Barrier district.
Broken Hill RSL branch members and guests warmly welcome the community to join them at the Palace Hotel (at 227 Argent St) following the service, as the old pub once served as the Returned Soldiers’ Hostel in 1920 until it was acquired by the South Australian Brewing Company in 1946.
This year, the RSL are asking Australians to commit to marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month with one minute’s silence by setting a reminder on a calendar, switching phones to Do Not Disturb, and putting aside that urgent report for just one minute, to remember.
Poppies are the universal symbol of remembrance and a reminder of the human cost of war, so it’s become a mark of respect to wear a poppy on your lapel to show that you acknowledge and honour the service of our veterans.
If you aren’t able to attend a commemorative event in person, you can watch a live stream of the Remembrance Day service at Martin Place in Sydney from 10:30am (AEDT) on Saturday November 11, by visiting https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/remembrance-day
With many veterans needing a hand, an offer to mow their lawn, helping them do the grocery shopping, or just stopping by for a cuppa and a chat could make their day, so reach out to Mr Kennedy if you’d like to help out a Broken Hill Veteran on 0412 458 054 or donate to the Poppy Appeal by visiting, https://poppyappeal.com.au/
