A TRADITIONAL Remembrance Day service will be held at the Dungog RSL Memorial Club cenotaph on 11 November.

The service, conducted by the Dungog RSL sub-Branch, commences at 10:30am.

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Two minutes’ silence will be observed at 11am before the service concludes by 11:15am.

All members of the community are invited to attend.

All attending are encouraged to wear entitled medals, with medals awarded to family members to be worn on the right side.

Dungog RSL sub-Branch Vice President Martin Holmes CSM said Remembrance Day is aptly named.

“It is a day dedicated to remembering those who have given their lives in service for their country,” Mr Holmes said.

“Also for those who returned wounded physically and mentally from the trauma of war.

“A few minutes of silence, once a year, to reflect on family, friends and strangers who gave their service so we could have our freedoms today is not too much to ask.”

Remembrance Day has its origins in the aftermath of WW1.

Originally it was called Armistice Day and was first conducted on 11 November 1919, being the first anniversary of the end of World War One.

It came to be embraced throughout the Commonwealth countries and the USA.

“The Flanders poppy came to be the official symbol for Remembrance Day with its association on the Western Front in Europe during WW1, where it still bloomed amongst the trenches and carnage,” Mr Holmes said.

“After WW2 it was decided to change the name to Remembrance Day to include all those who served in WW2 and now all subsequent wars and operations in which we have served.

“In the USA the name was changed to Veterans Day, from Armistice Day, following the Korean War but holds the same meaning.”

During WW1 more than 400,000 Australians enlisted out of a population of four million (one in ten), including 38 percent of men between 18-44 years.

Of these, 330,000 served overseas and over 60,000 were killed (one in five).

More than 156,000 were wounded (one in three).

“These figures do not count the mental trauma suffered by all those who saw service,” Mr Holmes said.

Another 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, another 20,000 in the Gulf and Iraq wars, and another 26,000 served in Afghanistan.

“Our Australian 2021 Census recorded over 580,000 people are or have served in the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Holmes said.

“So for many families the realities of a member serving in the military is real.

“Not only the dangers inherent in service but also the hidden spiritual and mental anguish which can be felt by families as well as those who serve.

“Remember not all injuries are visible.

“So on this Remembrance Day, pause, be silent and reflect on those who gave their lives, or their service, whether you are at work, home or school.

“Our little local cemeteries are sprinkled with those who gave their service.

“Visit them and remember.”