Locals will come together to honour the bravery, sacrifice and service of our veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces this Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day services will take place at two locations on Tuesday, November 11 across the city including Parramatta RSL Sub-branch at Prince Alfred Square at 10.50am, ahead of observing one minute’s silence at 11am.
Epping RSL Sub–branch will also hold its service at the Cenotaph in Epping’s Boronia Park at 10.45am.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said he encouraged the community to take part in this significant day of reflection.
“Each year we gather in memory of these heroes. It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community to reaffirm our commitment to peace and unity and ensure the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country lives on,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to join us in reflecting on the sacrifices that have shaped our country and honour the men and women who fought for our freedoms.
“This is a tribute of our local heroes’ service to Australia and their incredible impact on our lives, giving us the freedom we have today.”
At the heart of this occasion are the voices of those who have served and continue to preserve the memory of Australia’s military history.
City of Parramatta RSL Sub–branch Secretary Bryan West JP, who served for 30 years in the Australian Army Reserve, said the scars of war are not always visible and Remembrance Day reminds him to honour the resilience of veterans who carry those burdens quietly.
“Each year on Remembrance Day, I find myself standing still, both physically and emotionally. The pause for a minute’s silence at 11.00am is more than symbolic – it’s a time where gratitude and grief intertwine,” he said.
“I think of the more than 100,000 Australians and countless other individuals who gave their lives in wars they may not have fully understood, for causes greater than themselves. It’s also a day when I reflect on my own service to this country and my role in preserving peace and my hope is that my service helped create a safer, kinder and more just society for all.
“The red poppy that I wear close to my heart is a simple yet powerful emblem and it reminds me that remembrance is not passive – it’s a promise. A promise to never forget and to strive for a world where such sacrifices are never again required.”
Epping RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Swan AM said Remembrance Day came into being 107 years ago and is a solemn occasion giving thankful praise to those who have given everything so that we can enjoy abundant peace.
“Remembrance Day was originally introduced after World War 1 when millions of soldiers, men and women died in defence of the values which we enjoy today,” Swan said.
“More than that, it is a time to remember the men and women who have defended our country in all of the wars since: World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and various other conflicts.
“We live safe in the knowledge that our freedom has been forged by those before us – remembering that the price of peace is eternal vigilance.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.