REMEMBRANCE Day, marking the end of fighting on the Western Front on November 11, 1918, is an opportunity to stop, take stock and reflect on the contribution of Australia’s servicemen and women.

“For Australia, the First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties,” according to the Australian War Memorial.

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“From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.”

Remembrance Day now honours those who served in “the war to end all wars”, but also Australians who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice in any conflicts since.

A Remembrance Day service will be held on Saturday 11 November from 10:15am to 11:15am at the Raymond Terrace War Memorial in ANZAC Park, Raymond Terrace.

Vic Jones of the Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch told News Of The Area, “Veterans and service personnel, along with their families, friends and the general public are all encouraged to attend the service where we will be commemorating the service of all veterans, but especially marking the 50th anniversary of the return of Australian service personnel from Vietnam, and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice.

“This year I expect that we will have the usual support from the Australian Defence Forces with personnel from the Williamtown Air Base providing the Catafalque Party and Wreath-Layer, and I have requested a fly-over by RAAF aircraft around 11:00am on the day.

“In a change from Australian Defence Force representation that we have had at previous ANZAC Day services, where we have representation by RAAF Air Force Cadets from 335 Squadron AAFC, this Remembrance Day I have invited Naval Cadets from Training Ship TOBRUK in Newcastle to attend our service.

“We appreciate the commitment the youth of our local region make by joining the Cadet Forces of any of the services, and we know that in many instances this early interaction by them with serving and ex-serving personnel leads them to also find exciting and rewarding careers in the Navy, Army or Air Force,” he said.

The entire community is welcome to attend the Remembrance Day service.

By Marian SAMPSON