Under clear blue skies, locals gathered across Lismore this morning to mark Remembrance Day, honouring the Australians who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions over more than a century.

Large crowds attended both the city’s main service at the Lismore Memorial Baths and the community-led service at North Lismore. Representatives from schools, the SES, Fire Brigade, Red Cross and other local organisations joined veterans and their families to honour those who served and sacrificed for Australia.

City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Arnett said it was heartening to see so many people taking time to remember.

“Remembrance Day is about pausing and reflecting on the sacrifices those people made for us, so that we can stand here today in a free world,” he said.

“The service only takes about 15 minutes - that’s not too much to ask. I’m delighted with the turnout today. Every family in Australia was affected back then, and it’s good that the nation still stops and thinks about what happened.”

Ken also shared the story of one young soldier who died just days after the guns fell silent in 1918 - a reminder, he said, of how fragile the peace was.

“You think about a 19-year-old boy who got that far through the war, and then died when the shooting had already stopped,” he said.

“My parents remembered the dancing in the streets here in Lismore when the Armistice was announced. Sixty thousand Australians were killed out of a population of just four and a half million. Nearly one in ten served, and so many carried their physical and mental scars for life.”

Across town, the North Lismore Remembrance Service once again showcased the next generation’s role in keeping the tradition alive.

Ken Jolley with students from Kadina, Richmond River, and Lismore High School

Local legend Ken Jolley, a former City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch President, said it was now proudly run by students from all three Rivers Secondary College campuses.

“It is so encouraging to see the younger generation carrying on the tradition. Thank you so much - I’ve just realised this service is in great hands,” he said.

“Anything we ask these students, they do it. I won’t be here forever, but the kids know what they’re doing, and I really do appreciate it.”

“This memorial is really special, it’s where they left from for the first war. They camped at the showground before boarding trains at the North Lismore Railway Station to take them to Army training camps. It’s now one of Lismore’s icons.”

Both services were well attended, with many staying on afterward to chat and reflect. The sunshine, combined with the turnout of young and old alike, made for a touching reminder that Lismore continues to remember and honour its past.

Lest we forget.