Harvey and Waroona communities to hold ceremonies to commemorate 104th Remembrance Day

It is a commemoration with more than a century of history behind it.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year, thousands stand still and observe a minute’s silence to pay their respects to our service men and women, both past and present.

Communities across the South West and Peel regions will play their part in Remembrance Day commemorations being held around the country and beyond on Friday to mark the 104th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

In Harvey, a service will be held at the Harvey War Memorial to mark the occasion.

The public is invited to attend, but asked to arrive at 10.15am in time for the 10.30am start.

Harvey RSL president Eric Hall noted the need to mark the occasion.

“It is an important day that sometimes gets overlooked,” he said.

“We want everyone to attend — it is a day where we say thank you to those who are serving, have served and have died or suffered as a result.”

Harvey Shire president Paul Gillett said there were strong similarities between Remembrance Day and Anzac Day.

“It is important to recognise our service men and women, both past and present,” he said.

“They have made Australia what it is today and we need to recognise their contributions.”

The occasion will hold more significance this year in Waroona as the first to be held since the Waroona-Hamel RSL folded last month.

This year’s event will be hosted by the Shire of Waroona, Waroona District High School and St Joseph’s School.

Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said the service would not be too different despite the changes.

“It is important we reflect the RSL’s years of service at the event,” he said.

“It will be orchestrated in the same manner as when they ran it.”

Cr Walmsley described the local service as a pleasant but subdued event.

Past sub-branch president Tracey Fickling will present during the service along with students from the two local schools who will play a substantial role in proceedings.

Waroona’s commemoration will start at 10.30am.

The day and the time of the minute’s silence marks the moment guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918 after German forces agreed to an unconditional surrender.