MORE than 100 people gathered in Balranald on Monday morning in a solemn ceremony marking the end of the World War One.
Past serving members joined with local schools and residents to remember the historic moment when, at 11am on November 11, 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent, bringing an end to more than four years of continuous warfare.
Balranald RSL sub-branch member Ross Greenham told The Guardian an estimated 120 locals gathered at the cenotaph for Remembrance Day ceremony.
Mr Greenham, an army veteran who served for four years, including a seven-month stint in East Timor, said attendance was similar to previous years, thanks to a focus on involving the younger generations.
Attendees marked a minute’s silence to honour the sacrifice of those who never returned home from the war.
“It went well, you could hear an air siren during the minutes silence which added to the atmosphere, it was timed perfectly,” Mr Greenham said.
“We had two schools attend, Balranald Central School and St Joseph’s Primary School, they helped a lot with the service, and students ran some parts of the service.”
With attendance dropping away at many services across the state, Mr Greenham said the importance involving youth would ensure these ceremonies are held into the future.
“We have to get the younger generations involved, we haven’t got too many of the older generations left to help out with the service,” Mr Greenham.
“We have to put it back to them, get them involved and interested.”
Mr Greenham has been on the sub-branch for about 10 years, and has been involved in organising the Anzac and Remembrance day services in recent years.
He admits with background in the armed services, these days held a special significance to him.
“Remembrance Day and Anzac Day are very important to me, it’s about taking the time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
