The City of Parramatta is encouraging locals to pause and remember the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women this Remembrance Day, with public memorials to be held in Parramatta and Epping.
On Saturday 11 November, City of Parramatta RSL and Epping RSL sub-branches will hold their annual Remembrance Day services to honour and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives defending our freedom.
"It is a tremendous honour for our city to support Remembrance Day services in our area," said City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber.
"As we gather to remember our fallen heroes, let us be inspired by their courage and devotion to duty and dedicate ourselves to work towards creating a more peaceful world.
"I encourage everyone to take a moment from their lives this Saturday and remember those who have served and sacrificed so much for our country."
City of Parramatta RSL sub-branch Secretary Bryan West JP, who served for 30 years in the Australian Army Reserve, said it was an important day in the calendar for his family and friends.
"I had a grandfather who served at Gallipoli and France in World War One, and my father and his brothers and sister served during World War Two, so Remembrance Day was a significant day for them and to me," Mr West said.
Epping RSL sub-branch President Brian Swan AM said Remembrance Day was an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have fallen.
"Having been in two wars I always remember my grandfather, an ANZAC, who was killed at Gallipoli," Mr Swan said.
"I never met my grandfather; he left behind his widow and two small boys one of whom was my father who had polio. It is something to remember because I think of the many men and women who have similar stories.
"It is such a small thing to remember once a year the dedication and sacrifice that those before us have given to establish this wonderful country."
A minute's silence will be observed as part of commemorative services at Prince Alfred Square and Boronia Park on Saturday.
Council has also curated an online archive featuring stories about some of the nearly 2000 service personnel from the Parramatta region.
"The courage and determination of our Australian Defence Force personnel is humbling, and I encourage everyone to read their stories and honour their memory," Cr Esber said.
City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch Remembrance Day Service
Date: Saturday 11 November 2023
Time: 10.40am arrival for a 10:50am start
Venue: Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta
Epping RSL sub-Branch Remembrance Day Service
Date: Saturday 11 November 2023
Time: 10:30am
Venue: Cenotaph, Boronia Park, Epping (opposite Coles carpark)
