A severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology did little to stop the hundreds turning out for Maitland's Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Services were held in Maitland and East Maitland on Thursday, November 11 to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives, came home injured or bravely served their country.
One Hundred and three years after the signing of the Armistice agreement which signalled an end to World War I, attendees of both services paused and reflected with a minute's silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.
The service in Maitland Park was led by Maitland RSL Sub-Branch president, Fred Goode, who said it was a lovely service with about 200 people and a lot of school children.
Also in the news
"We have to remember those who served - not only those who were killed but those who were also wounded during war," Mr Goode said. He added it was important to also remember those who were killed or wounded during training and never made it overseas.
"There's a special group who a lot of people don't really think about and that's those who joined up but didn't get overseas," he said.
"There were over 600 RAAF personnel who died in military air craft crashes during World War II who aren't in the official tallies because it happened in Australia during their training."
Mr Goode, who served in the Army CMF for over nine years during the 1960s said he uses the minute's silence to think about those who have passed away, who were wounded and those he served with and killed in action.
East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch secretary, Neil Cromarty, said he was impressed with the turnout of about 60 people, especially being on a week day with COVID looming.
He said the service, led by president Tony Mulquiney, was nice and they were lucky with the weather.
"It's very special, it's a time to reflect on all those who served and are no longer with us and also those who are still serving," Mr Cromarty said.
During the minute's silence, Mr Cromarty said he is thinking about the memory of those he knew and are no longer with us now.
Do you know you can subscribe to get full access to all Maitland Mercury stories? Subscribing supports us in our local news coverage. To subscribe, click here.
Chloe Coleman
Chloe Coleman is a journalist covering news in the Lower Hunter. Contact her on chloe.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Chloe Coleman is a journalist covering news in the Lower Hunter. Contact her on chloe.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
