At 11am last Wednesday, Corowa marked the 102nd anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War I in 1918.
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Close to 100 people gathered at the Corowa War Memorial to reflect on the service and sacrifice of past and present military personnel.
The service was different from previous years, altered to comply with strict COVID-19 rules. Crowd numbers were capped, and guests were asked to sign a register and maintain social distancing.
The service was conducted by Corowa High School students Amanda Hemphill and Lachlan McKenzie who delivered a poignant address.
“We gather here, at this hour, on this day every year to honour the heroism and resilience of those young men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we may live in freedom and peace. Through your presence here today, there is no doubt in your hearts and in your minds, we will reserve them in our memories, honour the sacrifices that they made. In our hearts their names will live forever more, and they will never be forgotten,” Amanda said in her opening remarks.
Corowa RSL Sub-Branch president Martin Magill addressed the crowd with a speech that reflected on the history of the Corowa monument.
“At the eleventh hour of the eleventh month, the guns on the Western Front fell silent. The war was over. This moment, now 102 years in the past, laid the foundations for the commemorative service which we are gathered today,” Mr Magill said.
“On Sunday, September 10, 1922, around 3000 people gathered in this place to witness the unveiling by Major-General Sir Charles Rosenthal. Like those of us gathered here today, these 300 citizens recognised this memorial as a sacred place. Each name upon its walls represents a story.
“May it stand forevermore as stolid sandstone reminder of Australian service men and women.”
Following Mr Magill’s speech, local students from each school were presented with books that were unable to be given out on ANZAC Day, including the first edition of research undertaken by Corowa High School students of the names on the memorial.
“The sub-branch would like to thank Corowa High School for the efforts that has been put in and the research which will completed in the future,” Mr Magill said.
Mr Magill also thanked the crowd for their attendance.
“Considering the virus and all the restrictions in place, it is very humbling to see people still prepared to come out and assist with the sub-branch in commemorating this day,” he said.
Wreaths were laid by representatives before bugler Joanne Howell sounded the Last Post, with veterans, families and friends observing a minute’s silence at 11am.
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