Gloucester residents gathered to acknowledge the day the Armistice was signed marking the end of World War I.
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Observing the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month takes place across the Commonwealth as a way to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
The service, hosted by the members of the Returned and Services League (RSL) Gloucester Sub-branch, was held at the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower on Monday, November 11.
Students from Gloucester Public School, Barrington Public School, Stratford Public School, St Joseph's Primary School and Gloucester High School attended the service to pay tribute to Australian soldiers, and lay a wreath in acknowledgement.
GHS student Will Bowden played a chilling, acoustic version of I was only 19, by Australian group Redgum. The song is a first-person account of a typical Australian soldier's experience in the Vietnam War, from training in Australia to first hand exposure to military operations and combat, and ultimately his return home disillusioned, psychologically scarred and possibly suffering from the effects of the chemical defoliant Agent Orange.
Shrouded in a haze of smoke of the bush fires currently gripping the region, Deacon John Pelletier sent out prayers for rain and relief from the blazes.
Sub-branch president Alan Vale closed the service with a thank you.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
