Narrabri observed Remembrance Day on Tuesday, November 11, with members of the community honouring the men and women who served and died for our country in wars and conflicts.
The service was led by Club Narrabri operations manager Geoff Artis, who introduced the guest speakers.
Patricia Hadley gave the Remembrance Day oration, followed by a minute’s silence and The Last Post.
Local students demonstrated great respect, confidence and leadership when delivering their well-researched speeches, addresses and participating in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Narrabri High School captains Maxine O’Connor and Judah Hamblin started off the service strongly with an address on the significance of Remembrance Day, an inspiring example of youth power and engagement.
“Today we gather together – students, teachers, staff and community members – not just to observe a moment of silence, but to honour the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
“At the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns fell silent on the Western front, marking the end of the First World War in 1918.
“Since then, November 11th has become a time for reflection.
“It’s a day when we pause to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of those who fought and died – not just in World War I, but in all conflicts since.
“Some were young – barely older than many of us here today. They had dreams, families and hopes for the future. And yet, when their country called, they answered. Many never returned. Others came back forever changed.
“Remembrance Day isn’t about glorifying war. It’s about remembering the cost of it. It’s about recognising the lives lost, the families left behind, and the freedoms we now enjoy because of their sacrifice.
“It’s easy to feel disconnected from events that happened a hundred years ago, in places most of us have never seen. But remembrance is not just about history – it’s about gratitude, awareness and carrying forward the values of peace and service.
“Each poppy we wear today is a symbol – a small but powerful reminder that behind every number is a name, behind every name is a story, and behind every story is a person who mattered.
“As school captains, we also want to remind everyone that remembrance doesn’t end with the ceremony today. It lives on in how we treat one another, how we stand up for what’s right, and how we remember the past to build a better future.
“In a moment, we will observe one minute of silence. In that silence, we invite you to reflect on the bravery shown, the lives lost, and the peace we must continue to protect.
“Whether you think of someone specific, or simply hold a feeling of gratitude in your heart, your silence matters. Lest we forget.”
