Remembrance Day observed in Wee Waa

Wee Waarians gathered near the war memorial clock tower at Memory Grove for the Remembrance Day service on Friday.

Further down the main street, business owners and workers stood out the front of their shops and joined other community attendees in pausing at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month to pay tribute to the remarkable women and men who have served in conflicts and peace-keeping operations.

As always, Vietnam veteran Dennis Lowder did a great job hosting the service, and he made special mention of the district’s much-loved bugler Peter Carrett, who sounds the Last Post.

Mr Lowder acknowledged Mr Carrett’s long-standing commitment to the role.

Minister Stephen Bignall said the opening prayer and address and returned serviceman Leon Wager also spoke as well as Wee Waa High School’s new captain Mackenzie Jones, who read a touching poem by Vida Dewson.

School students and community groups laid beautiful wreaths, and the highlight for many was witnessing World War II veteran John Collett place a wreath at Memory Grove with the assistance of Roxanne Whitton and Liz Berger.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered under the shade of the jacaranda trees, and some attendees also reflected on the efforts and sacrifices made by the relatives and friends of those who serve.

WWHS students had the opportunity to speak to Mr Collett about his service, and as well as thanking him, they discussed how he would have been younger than them when he put his hand up to go to war.

Mr Collett was a gunner in the 2/1st Field Regiment 6th Division in the Aitape-Wewak campaign in New Guinea during World War II.

He previously told The Courier he was ’16 and 9 months’ when he signed up to join the war effort.

Of course, you had to be 18-years-old, but he certainly wasn’t the only young man who managed to wrangle together a ‘signed’ letter to join his mates and fight for Australia’s future.

“Some of the other young blokes had left to go, and I thought, ‘well, I’m going to go too’,” Mr Collett previously told the Wee Waa News.

“It was something to do.”

Mr Lowder said it was pleasing to have local schools contact him before the Remembrance Day service, inquiring if some students could attend.

“They contacted me, I didn’t contact them, but it’s good and very important they come along because they get to hear the readings and the address, Vida’s poem- it gives them a better understanding about why the tradition is carried on and why we need it to be carried on into the future,” said Mr Lowder.

Mr Lowder added it was good to mark Remembrance Day without any COVID restrictions in place.

Late last week, the roads into Wee Waa were open as floodwater began to recede, allowing people who live out of town to travel in for the important occasion.

“The service would’ve gone ahead anyway, but it was good there were no restrictions.

“I think the attendance numbers were a little bit above average.”

Remembrance Day services were held around the district and across the country, with leaders making statements to commemorate the day.

“On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare,” said Member for Parkes Mark

Coulton.
“With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War.

“This day became known as Armistice Day, and after World War Two, it was renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.

“Today, the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

“This Friday is Remembrance Day, one of the most significant dates on our national calendar.

“At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, our nation pauses to observe one minute’s silence to remember those who served, suffered and died for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

“I encourage all residents of the Parkes electorate to come together on this special day, as we do every year, to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have given their lives so that we can live ours.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said, “Remembrance Day. A day to remind us each year of the service men and women who have died in all wars.

“Remembering service men and women is something very important to me.

“My family has a long and proud history of military service. Some of my grandfather’s service records are in the images [on Mr Butler’s Facebook page].

“I can’t imagine how daunting it was for him as a young fellow signing these documents.

“I joined a large crowd this morning to remember and celebrate the bravery of these people.

“We will remember them, lest we forget.”