Honour our Troops this Remembrance Day

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged the community to pause for one minute’s silence at 11am, to wear a red poppy, or to attend their local Remembrance Day service and pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve, our nation in times of war, conflict and on peacekeeping operations.

“Most Australians have a personal story about a family member or friend who serves or has served in the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it be a mother who bid farewell to her son bound for Afghanistan, or the children who hear tales of their great grandfather’s service during the First or Second World War, all of us have been touched by those who have served Australia at their nation’s request.”

“This Remembrance Day, Tuesday 11 November, we remember all of them – Australians who gave so much for their country.”

This year’s Remembrance Day is the first of the Anzac Centenary period (2014-18), a time where we will mark the Centenary of the Great War.

An Anzac Centenary Program has been developed that aims to encourage all Australians to reflect upon and learn more about Australia’s wartime history, as well as the costs and impact of war on those who participated, our communities, and our entire nation.

Further information about the Anzac Centenary Program, including planned international and domestic events, can be found at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

Each year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produces a Remembrance Day commemorative poster available to freely download and display. This year the poster focuses on the departure of the first convoy from Albany, carrying Australian and New Zealand soldiers to the war in 1914.

“I encourage everyone in Bonner to join together this Remembrance Day, pause for a moment’s silence at 11am, and wear a red poppy to support the RSL’s Poppy Day Appeal,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is here in local communities that the legacy is carried on, ensuring we never forget those who have served, particularly the more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives wearing our country’s uniform.”

For more information on Remembrance Day, to access the service resources, or to download the commemorative poster, visit www.dva.gov.au/remembranceday.htm.

List of Remembrance Day 2014 Services in Bonner

Manly Lota RSL
Richard Russell Park, Cnr Cambridge Pde & Ferguson St, Manly.
Arrive at 10.30am for a 10.45am start, followed by morning tea at the Manly-Lota RSL Hall.
Contact: 3348 2572

Wynnum RSL
174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum (Pandanus Room).
Arrive at 10.30am for an 11am start, followed by light refreshments.
Contact: 3396 1155

Holland Park-Mt Gravatt Sub Branch RSL
Memorial adjacent 58 Arnold St, Holland Park.
Arrive at 10.15am for a 10.30am start, followed by refreshments.
Contact: 3397 0561

Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch RSL
Mt Gravatt Blue Care, 1541 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt.
Arrive at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.
Contact: 3345 2876

Bayside National Servicemen’s Association
Darling Point Memorial, Lower Esplanade, Manly.
7am start