Students from all schools in the Parkes township will benefit from this year’s Celebration of Armistice Day, thanks to the Parkes RSL Sub Branch.
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The Sub Branch has donated 12 Remembrance Day medallions to Parkes High School, Middleton Public School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School, Holy Family Primary School and Parkes Christian School.
Medallions have also been given to Red Bend Catholic College.
The medallions depict the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which saw Germany reluctantly officially sign the Armistice, marking the end of World War 1 some 100 years ago at 5am on November 11, 1918.
Later, after the Second World War, November 11 became Remembrance Day, a time to commemorate war dead from all conflicts.
If we didn’t have freedom, if we didn’t fight in World War I, where would we be?
- Parkes RSL Sub Branch secretary Paul Thomas
The medallions are a one-off medallion, displaying the words World War 1, 1914 to 1918 with artwork of poppies, are strictly limited to 250 and all carry the “Parkes” name, making them a collector’s item.
In making the momentous donation, Sub Branch secretary Paul Thomas said members were thrilled to donate a quantity to all Parkes schools.
He said he hoped that schools would run or conduct competitions for students of all ages and award the high achievers.
“We’re donating these medallions so they can recognise the people who served in World War I,” Mr Thomas said.
“If we didn’t have freedom, if we didn’t fight in World War I, where would we be?”
This year, as the Anzac centenary period reaches its conclusion, the nation will salute the bravery, mateship and sacrifice of the almost two million men and women who have worn the uniforms of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force over a remarkable century of service.
In other Remembrance Day celebrations Mr Thomas said the Sub Branch will be holding a Celebration of the Signing of the Armistice Dinner which is open to the general public on Saturday, November 10 at the Parkes Services Club.
Special guests include Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, along with National Party Regional Senator John Williams, comedian Rob Shehadie, local auctioneer Geoff Rice as the night’s Master of Ceremonies and music by local entertainer Barry “Elvis” Green.
Meanwhile Sunday’s official Remembrance Day celebrations will be conducted from 10.30am, with Middleton Primary School Choir providing the entertainment and Mayor Ken Keith OAM will unveil a plaque depicting the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War 1.
The celebrations will take place in front of the Cenotaph in Cooke Park with students from all schools reciting the names of fallen local heroes in all theatres of confrontations, in which Australians have served.
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