Once again, the Bunbury RSL will pay its respects to the many servicemen who lost their lives in World War One as well as those who returned home.
The official Remembrance Day ceremony will begin with the gathering of RSL members, 10th Light Horse – Bunbury Troop members, and community representatives on Spencer Street on Sunday, November 11 at 10.40am.
The march will lead people down Stirling Street to the Anzac Memorial, where the Remembrance Day service will then be held.
The service will include a wreath laying ceremony, with RSL members, special guests, and members of the public invited to lay wreaths.
Following the Ode and the Last Post, the flags will be raised at full mast.
Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi said the 10th Light Horse Troop will deliver a poem about the horses left behind after the conflict.
“Only one horse [from the 10th Light Horse Regiment] ever returned to Australia, the rest were left behind,” he said.
“The men had real ties to their horses at the time, they had fought with them and ridden them.”
This year marks the centenary of the Armistice, ending WWI after years of conflict all over the world.
Mr Gelmi said Remembrance Day was truly significant to Australia’s history.
“We’re expecting quite a number of people to turn out, hopefully they will,” he said.
“It’s about respecting those people who gave their lives for us.
“There were 62,000 service people, that’s a lot of people out of the small country Australia was at the time.
“This one is very significant, in that it’s bringing the centenary commemorations to a close.
“We’ve worked through the years with the centenary, which has been fairly big and the crowds at our services have been big as well.”
Mr Gelmi said the RSL honoured those who fought for their country during its history.
“To us, it’s very important. That’s what the RSL does – We’re here as custodians of the commemorations, including Anzac Day and Remembrance Day,” he said.
“Since the beginning of the centenary, I think people have realised they have had uncles, great uncles etc. that fought in Europe.
“I think there’s a lot more interest, younger people have taken more interest in it. The schools are using it as part of their programs.
“It’s good to show respect for those who gave their lives.”
At 2pm on the 11th, the Bunbury Historical Society and King Cottage Museum will hold an Armistice Day event, providing visitors with information about Australia’s involvement in the Great War.
The afternoon will include presentations along with memorabilia from the era.
The Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre will host an Armistice Day exhibition from November 8 to January 9, also featuring stories and photographs from the time.
Read more:
