FOR 100 years, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has carried significance in the hearts and minds of all Australians.
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Remembrance Day not only marks the end of conflict in World War One, but has become a time that Australia stops to reflect on service and sacrifice throughout its history.
This Sunday will mark the centenary, and in Bathurst the significance of the day won’t be taken lightly.
Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills said the entire weekend, not just the day of November 11, would be used to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian military personal.
Thirteen service bands will perform in Machattie Park from 10am on Saturday, playing until mid-afternoon.
Also happening on Saturday, the Freedom Entry to City by the 1st/19th Battalion will carried out in Bathurst’s central business district, starting from the corner of William and Russell streets.
“On Sunday, it’s the Remembrance Day commemoration service, with the prelude starting at 10am, the service at 10.30am, the minute’s silence at 11am, then we will be laying wreaths and floral tributes,” Mr Mills said.
“And we are encouraging anyone with a family member [who served] to participate in that program.”
The traditional Remembrance Day service will be followed by a recital at the Carillon and a family picnic in Kings Parade.
Mr Mills said the picnic will offer family-friendly activities and a memorial wall to write messages on.
The Snapshots of World War One and the Wall of Valour photographic exhibition will be in the Walshaw Hall, near all Saints Cathedral, over the weekend.
Finally, at 3pm on Sunday the Family History Group will conduct a tour of veterans’ graves at the cemetery.
Mr Mills said Remembrance Day carried extra significance this year and he hoped the community would attend the various events to honour those who have served their country.
“It’s the 100th anniversary of the armistice, so we are commemorating the service and sacrifice of all Australians in the conflicts Australia has been involved in and then celebrating the peace that has followed,” he said.