COVID-19 and wet weather won't stop Remembrance Day events being held across the Illawarra on Thursday.
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The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front after the bloodshed of World War I and those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts will be remembered.
This year COVID restrictions mean not all will be able to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony but the RSL is still asking all Australians to pause for a minute to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, those who returned home injured/ill or suffering, and those who serve our nation.
On Thursday at 11am, RSL sub-branches will be conducting commemorative services that can be attended by the double vaccinated.
The City of Wollongong RSL sub-branch's service will be held at the Wollongong Cenotaph with COVID restrictions and a QR code system in place.
It will be a similar situation at Albion Park RSL Club where the sub-branch is conducting a service at the memorial in the car park at 11am.
Remembrance Day will also see Wollongong Catholic Church opening a new Remembrance Garden at 9.30am.
The garden at St Francis Xavier Cathedral has been created in honour of those who have given selflessly in the service of their country, those who died in wars, members of the armed services, ambulance officers, police officers and all front-line workers.
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong vicar-general Rev Bernard Gordon will open and bless the garden in the presence of Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird, Fire & Rescue NSW inspector Chad Wallace, Wollongong RSL's Ken Milner, Bravo Company Defence training warrant officer Stuart Mackie and members of the Lumen Christi parish community.
Rev Gordon said it would serve as a lasting memorial to reflect on the generosity of those who serve our community, often in circumstances that require great courage.
"We also want to remember those who are grieving and suffer the consequences of losing their loved ones through violence and encountering dangerous situations."
The new garden recognises those who have served our country in the armed services, and pays tribute to the ongoing efforts of our frontline workers
- Rev Bernard Gordon
At noon in Shellharbour Cemetery, members of the Warilla RSL Sub-Branch and Oak Flats Lions Club will unveil and dedicate a headstone to a World War I veteran located in an unmarked grave.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
