South West to hold Remembrance Day services across the region to commemorate 104 years

Australians across the nation will pause on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the men and woman who fought for our freedom both past and present and the South West will be no exception. With more than a century of history behind it, Remembrance Day honours the anniversary of Armistice, when guns fell silent on the Western Front, putting an end to the first world war after four arduous years of battle. Across the South West region on Friday, a number of commemorative services are being held to honour those who served, this year marking 104 years since the end of the World War in 1918. In Bunbury, a service will take place at Anzac Park on Stirling Street, with proceedings to commence at 10.30am. A short parade will take place prior to the ceremony, with participants asked to gather at the Bunbury Seniors and Community Centre at 10.30am for a 10.45am march, with guests also invited back to the RSL hall for light refreshments afterwards. Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi said it was “very important” to acknowledge the efforts of those past and present. “The importance of it is to remember those that gave their lives so that we have what we have today as far as freedom goes,” he said. “I think it’s fairly important and to show respect for those that have served and are still serving. “There’s still a lot of people overseas serving Australia so it’s important that we maintain the service so people can show their respect and remember.” Other services in the Bunbury area include a commemoration at the Capel war memorial at the RSL hall at 10.45am, and an 11am service at Soldier’s Park in Collie, followed by fellowship at the RSL building. Services will also be held in Busselton’s Victoria Square from 10.30am and Margaret River’s Memorial Park at 10.50am. The Margaret River RSL will also be holding its annual poppy sales on Thursday, with half of the money raised to go to RSLWA and the remainder to aid veterans’ welfare in the Margaret River community. In the region’s north, Harvey War Memorial will host a service at 10.30am while the Shire of Waroona will host a service at the Waroona War memorial in the first event since the folding of the Waroona-Hamel RSL last month. In the Lower South West, an 11am service will take place at the Giblett Street memorial with a sausage sizzle and drinks to follow at the RSL on Brockman Street.