Under the shade of Wee Waa’s beautiful blossoming jacaranda trees, community members gathered near the town’s war memorial clock tower at Memory Grove to mark Remembrance Day. Further down the main street, business owners and workers stood out the front of their shops to pay tribute to those who have served our country and made sacrifices for the way of life we enjoy today.
Pausing at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month, activities from harvest paddocks to school classrooms were stopped for a minute’s silence.
Originally known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day marks the signing of the peace agreement between Germany and the Allies that ended the Great War of 1914-1918. From the Narrabri district, 687 people volunteered their services in the Great War. One hundred and five of these volunteers paid the supreme sacrifice.
The Second World War began just 21 years later. Almost a million Australians served during that conflict, which lasted close to six years. Armistice Day was then renamed Remembrance Day.
Today, November 11, is a time to pay tribute and honour all of the remarkable women and men who are serving and have served in different conflicts and peace-keeping operations.
Vietnam veteran Dennis Lowder is well-regarded for doing a brilliant job of coordinating the town’s commemorative services. In fact, on Australia Day this year, it was announced he would be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to veterans and to the community of Wee Waa.
Mr Lowder is supported by volunteers such as his wife Letitia, popular local bugler Peter Carrett and community members who contribute in a variety of ways – from laying a beautifully made wreath, to preparing a well-researched speech or even just being present at the service. All are ways to acknowledge the efforts of our brave and loyal service men and women.
Mr Lowder said the highlight of this year’s Remembrance Day service was the involvement of local students, by encouraging their participation and understanding of the sacrifices made for peace and freedom, it helps to ensure they carry forward a legacy of respect and gratitude.
“As always, it’s the kids’ participation,” said Mr Lowder when asked about the service.
“The two students from St Joseph’s did a fantastic job.
“I asked them to speak on what Remembrance Day meant to them, and I thought they did it very well.”
Student representatives from Wee Waa schools participated in the commemoration, laying wreaths and singing the National Anthem.
“It means a lot. It really does mean a lot.
“If we didn’t have the children here, there wouldn’t be many here at the service.”
Mr Lowder said people pausing for the minute’s silence and taking a moment to reflect, even if they weren’t able to attend a service, is still greatly appreciated.
“I’ve noticed there’s a lot of flags being flown around in different places, I certainly think people think about it, which is important.
“On a day like today, we don’t just remember World War I, we remember all the conflicts that we’ve been involved in, and in particular for me, the
Vietnam one and the guys that are no longer with us anymore, you reflect and think about them, the good friends that are no longer here.”
The memorial pavers at Memory Grove are a way for the community to remember their good friends who are no longer here or learn stories about those with a local connection who served.
For example, there is now a paver at Memory Grove with the late local legend John Collett’s name on it.
Readers would know his story well, as Wee Waa’s last surviving World War II veteran who quite poignantly died on November 11, 2024, at 98-years-old.
“He left me specific instructions with that paver, he’s just up above his uncle’s Charles Collett who was involved in the First World War and I think he got the military medal (in 1918).”
Mr Lowder explained how the memorial pavers have become good conversation starters for community members walking by or sitting on one of the benches at Memory Grove, as they look at the local names and share their significant stories.
