MAYORAL MINUTE NO 15/2020
REMEMBRANCE DAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020
Councillors,
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns on the Western Front finally fell silent after more than four years of intense warfare, bloodshed and significant loss.
The Allied Forces had finally driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy losses on both sides.
In November, the Germans called for an armistice in order to secure a peace settlement.
They accepted the Allied Forces terms that amounted to an unconditional surrender.
This was the first modern world conflict that had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people. It also resulted in the loss of more than 20 million people, with as many as one-third of them having no known grave. Closer to home - 416,809 Australian men enlisted.
Of these, 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
WWI was to be known as the “war to end all wars”. It was synonymous with hope for a better future. But we know this wasn’t the case, with more conflicts and peace keeping missions to follow on from this devastating battle.
Despite this, Remembrance Day continues to be remembered as the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front. It also a time when we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may continue to enjoy the freedom and the lifestyle that we truly cherish here in Australia and in The Hills Shire.
It is reassuring to know that the terrible conflicts of the past will never be forgotten and that future generations will continue to honour the commitment and bravery shown by these men and women, who had given up everything.
The Hills is filled with so much history. It also provided a valuable service to Australia during the great Wars. We have many memorials, honour boards and plaques that commemorate our war heroes along with at least two parks that have great stories behind them, and also pay tribute to locals who fought for our country.
Tomorrow, Councillors, we will remember them – our local men and women - along with all of the other names listed on the memorials across our Shire and recognise their supreme sacrifice for us.
Tomorrow, we will join together as proud Hills Shire residents and Australians and reflect upon those values of courage, sacrifice, bravery and mateship which our troops have shown and continue to display.
Tomorrow, our country will pause to silently reflect on the memory of those who have laid down their lives for Australia. We will reflect on what we have lost, but also on what we have gained from their bravery and commitment.
Our fallen will remain with us in our hearts and minds. And through Remembrance Day, their valour, courage, determination, sacrifice and spirit will live on through the generations.
Lest we forget.
Accordingly I move the following:
Motion:
1. This Mayoral Minute be received; and 2. One minute’s silence be observed.
Dr Michelle Byrne MAYOR
