Kerry Phelan reads at Junee’s Remembrance Day.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Junee came together to honour those who’ve fallen in combat at the Junee Cenotaph. It was a smaller service, but the size did not undercut the importance and respect on display from the community.
Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on the Aussie commemorative calendar. It’s a day when we acknowledge those who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Remembrance Day is held on 11 November each year. This is the anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 that ended fighting in World War I. The war didn’t officially end until 28 June 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles.
People in Australia and many other countries observe one minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because that’s when the Armistice came into effect. It’s a time to honour all personnel who died or suffered in the service ofAustralia.
First, A Shining Star was read by Khya Mead of Junee High School before the mounting of the Catafalque Party. One Minute’s Silence was observed before a Prayer for the Fallen and Injured by Father Paddy Sykes. An introduction and welcome was given by RSL Sub-Branch President, Greg Zakharoff, RAAFJP MCIT (Ret’d), before a Commemorative Address by Rev David Hilliard.
Matika Simmons and Will Chisholm of Junee High School discussed the significance of Remembrance Day to today’s youth before there was an address from a veteran, Kerry Phelan, National Servicemen, Royal Australian Engineers (Ret’d). The laying of wreaths commenced, inviting various community members and organisations to participate. The Ode and the Last Post were played before another Minute Silence was observed. The Australian National Anthem followed the Reveille, and the service then concluded.
Upon completion of the Commemorative Service, the Junee RSL Sub-Branch invited the community down to the Junee Services Memorial Club for lunch and camaraderie. Light refreshments were provided for veterans and distinguished guests, and their families in the Aurora Room of the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club.
Junee RSL Sub-Branch President, Greg Zakharoff, told the Junee Independent about the service and its importance.
“Remembrance Day in Junee went very well, apart from the cold. It was bitterly cold. Two years ago, it was so hot, then last year wasn’t too bad, and this year has been bitterly cold. I feel for a lot of the people, they didn’t think it would be so cold, but it was,” he said.
Zakharoff said it was a testament to the respect of the town that they braved the cold to pay their respects.
“The service was very good. The compliments we got from a wide range of the community were very good.
“It’s about awareness and also changing formats a bit to make it more interesting, involving more kids from town. We had three young people from Junee High School; they said their piece, and that was very good. It’s just good to see more kids getting involved, and when the kids get involved, their parents get involved and then followed by grandparents, and everyone knows who wants to come down, and it makes it very easy.
“All in all, I do believe that it was very well received by the public and the veterans, too.
“We had a contingent of troops from RAAF Wagga. There were about 30 of them who came down and joined us for the service and set the pace a bit. Having served people mingle with the crowd was very good.
“We started with the minutes’ silence and we fed on from there. One young lady recited a poem that she had written, and then we had the two other children give their thoughts on what Remembrance Day means for them and young people. That in itself is raising awareness.
When the Independent asked Mr Zakharoff what it meant to see the local kids continuing to come out and support these services, he replied: “It means a lot… It means a lot to the servicemen who attended. Some of the young fellas mentioned to me that they’re amazed at how many people turned up at the service, and I said, well, you blokes make it when they come along. It’s good for the veterans who are there to know that we’re being supported by the younger folk.
“It’s a town’s time to reflect and to respect. I would also like to thank everybody for turning up. There was a heap of kids there from the schools, St Joseph’s and Junee North, and thanks also to the Council, they have done a good job getting it all prepared.”
– Jack Murray
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