Sunshine Coast residents will converge on ceremonies around the region on Friday, to remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts.
Community members will don poppies and attend events, to pay tribute to past and current members of the defence force.
Maroochy RSL Board President Lenard Thompson expected many community members to pause on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the moment when the guns fell silent on the Western Front after the bloodshed of World War I, in 1918.
“Locals are asked to please take the time to observe one minute of silence to honour the heavy toll and ultimate sacrifice our fellow men and women of the Australian Defence Force gave defending our shores during times of war,” he said.
Mr Thompson was among those to pay his respects to Australian Diggers, in Papua New Guinea recently.
Mr Thompson and other volunteers laid a wreath there on November 3, on behalf of Maroochy RSL and the Kokoda Memorial Foundation, to commemorate the the conclusion of the Kokoda campaign 80 years ago.
Australian soldiers, including Sunshine Coast armed forces, fought in mud and dense jungle during one of the most gruelling World War II defensive struggles.
“It was a very moving ceremony,” Mr Thompson said.
“The local school children attended and stood for a very long time in the heat.
“It was amazing to see so many people paying their respects, including descendants of the World War II Diggers, who pushed back the enemy and re-raised the Australian flag.”
The group of volunteers regularly visit the Kokoda trail to assist with many projects, including clean water infrastructure and building war memorials.
Students reflect
The RSL Sunshine Coast District has joined forces with Good Samaritan Catholic College to engage primary school students in a creative learning experience while reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day.
Primary school children will meet to draw a chalk mural as they reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day, at the Bli Bli school on Friday morning.
Harnessing the power of artistic expression, RSL Queensland’s newly launched ‘Draw to Remember’ pilot initiative offers Queensland children the chance to learn about the importance of Remembrance Day while expressing their learnings or personal stories through art.
Find a Remembrance Day Service near your via RSL Queensland.
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