On Tuesday 11 November, the Yass Valley remembered and honoured ANZAC men who served and died for the nation, and recognised the sacrifices made by their families.
The Yass RSL Sub-Branch held a commemorative service and wreath laying that took place at the Cenotaph, Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall, from 11:00 a.m. The Armistice, which was the first step to ending fighting with Germany in the First World War, was signed on this date.
More than a century ago, at 11:00 am on 11 November 1918, silence fell across the Western Front after more than four years of war. The German forces called for an armistice to secure a peace settlement, accepting the Allied terms of unconditional surrender.
Originally known as Armistice Day, this occasion was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. The armistice marked not just the end of war, but the beginning of remembrance—for those who served, suffered, and sacrificed.
Remembrance Day continues to hold deep meaning for Australians. It is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have defended our nation – past and present. Each year, on 11 November, Australians pause for one minute of silence to reflect on the human cost of war. From the battlefields of the First World War to contemporary operations across the globe, the legacy of service endures.
Today, more than 1800 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed on operations both overseas and within Australia. Wherever they are, they joined the nation in commemorating Remembrance Day.
Cath Neuhaus attended the Yass service and said it was a short but important service that reflected the respect of the area.
“It was a short service held in the shrine area. It was well attended with Council dignitaries, veterans, which included legacy and war widows, and representatives of local schools, Yass High School, Yass Public School, Berinba, as well as the police and town fire brigade,” she said.
“We started with the minute silence and then we went into the opening prayer, Requiem. That was followed by the wreath laying, then the Last Post and the Reveille, and then into the Advance Australia Fair, which everyone joined in to sing, which was led by the Mayor, which actually went really well.
“We had about 100 people attend, a lot more than we expected, and it was great to see the involvement by representatives of the three local schools, Yass High School, Yass Public School and Berinba.
“It’s great to see the school kids getting involved and passing on this legacy, because it shows them some relevance. If the kids come along, they get to see what Remembrance Day is about.
“Remembrance Day these days is not just about World War I. It includes all the campaigns. For the school kids to see that and to be able to carry on that legacy is great. My granddaughter from Yass Public School was there, and she wore my grandfather’s medals.
“To be able to have that legacy of handing the baton, so to speak, to the young ones is really good, which means that the interest shall continue.
“Thank you to the community for coming along and participating.”
– Jack Murray
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