Schools’ Remembrance Day mailout arrives in Wide Bay

17 September 2018

Schools’ Remembrance Day mailout arrives in Wide Bay
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has confirmed that local schools across the electorate will soon receive their annual educational kits in preparation for Remembrance Day, with this year marking the centenary of the First World War Armistice.

“We know 11 November as Remembrance Day, but its origins started 100 years ago when the Armistice ending the fighting during the First World War was signed,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“What is Remembrance Day now, was known as Armistice Day until after the Second World War when it was renamed Remembrance Day.”
 
Mr O’Brien said educating young people about the origin and significance of Remembrance Day, including observing a minute’s silence at 11 am, is vitally important.
 
Every year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produce an educational pack that is used in schools right throughout the country to promote the observance of Remembrance Day.
 
“The 2018 Remembrance Day posters feature four portraits of men and women who served during the Gallipoli campaign. The portraits were created by combining one hundred portraits of men and women who have served in the three services of the Australian Defence Force over the past century,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“I encourage all schools, students and communities to get involved Remembrance Day commemorations, marking the centenary of the First World War Armistice, to remember all those who have suffered or died our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over a Century of Service.”
 
Schools will begin to receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on The Anzac Portal, http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/.
 
Mr O’Brien has also announced almost $50,000 in grants to six local organisations to help them commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and honour the service men and women from our region.
 
“I am pleased to confirm the Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub-Branch has received $10,330 to hold a First World War Exhibition at Cooroy Memorial Hall,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group, the Ration Shed, is using a $2,700 grant to install six locally designed timber poles and plaques including photos from World War One at Anzac Memorial Park.
 
“The Maryborough RSL has received $11,170 to create two murals featuring the Armistice in 1918, and the Australian Defence Force, in the Memorial Garden.
 
“The Gympie RSL is using a $4,500 grant to repair the existing sandstone pillars and install a granite plaque at Memorial Lane.
 
“The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum will spend $5,000 on a display case to exhibit World War One memorabilia at the Museum.
 
“The Mary Valley RSL is using a $15,000 grant to install a granite commemorative memorial book at Kandanga Cemetery, acknowledging local men and women who served during the First World War.
 
“These projects throughout Wide Bay will provide a fitting tribute to appropriately acknowledge the end of the war and the Centenary of Armistice.  I congratulate the organisations for their work on these projects that will preserve our local history for future generations.”
 
Schools will begin to receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on The Anzac Portal, http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/