Communities across the region will come together tomorrow, Tuesday 11 November, to honour those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions - and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front in 1918 and has become a time for Australians to stop and reflect on the courage of those who have served our country. For many in Lismore, that reflection is deeply personal.

City of Lismore RSL Sub-Branch Secretary Wilson McClelland said this year’s theme, Remember to Remember, sums up what the day is all about.

“I think ‘Remember to Remember’ is basically what tomorrow is all about,” Mr McClelland said. “When you read the names on the World War One memorials down there, it really brings home what it’s all about. I’ve got two great uncles on it, so it has significance for me - and I think nearly every family in Lismore and the surrounds had someone in the First World War.”

Mr McClelland said while Anzac Day often draws the biggest crowds, Remembrance Day still means a lot to many people.

“It’s a quieter day than Anzac Day, but no less powerful,” he said. “You can feel the emotion when the names are read, it really drives home the meaning of remembrance.”

He said it was encouraging to see local schools helping keep the tradition alive.

“We invite the high schools and their captains and principals to attend our service each year,” he said. “And the service over at North Lismore, which Ken Jolly has run for many years, is now virtually being organised by students from The Rivers Secondary College - Kadina, Richmond River and Lismore High. They basically do the whole service now.”

Younger students are also learning about remembrance through the Draw to Remember program, which sees children create artwork and learn about Australia’s wartime history.

“The kids do drawings and research, and we visit their schools to see their work and hold a small service,” Mr McClelland said. “The schools really are the future of Remembrance Day and Anzac Day, they’ll carry it forward.”

The RSL’s annual poppy appeal has also had strong support across the community in the lead-up to the day.

“We started last Wednesday and we’re winding up today,” Mr McClelland said. “It’s been very successful, and on behalf of our branch members and the ex-service community, I’d like to thank the public for their support each year.”

Services will be held across the region tomorrow at:

• North Lismore – 10:00 am
• Lismore – 10:40 am
• Nimbin – 10:45 am

Locals are encouraged to attend or take a moment during the morning to reflect and remember all those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in Australia’s Defence Forces.