The Forde community stood in silent reflection and remembrance of the sacrifice of our fallen man and women who gave their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations this Remembrance Day.
Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said for more than a century Australians have paused at 11am on November 11 to acknowledge our fallen service men and women.
Second World War Veterans Commemorative Medallion Presentation, James Skelton
“Remembrance Day is one of the most important days of our year as it represents a time where Australians can stand together with our service personnel and veterans and remember those who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping,” Mr van Manen said.
“Originally known as Armistice Day, this day was in commemoration of the moment the guns of the Western Front fell silent at 11am on November 11, 1918.
“Just over 20 years later, Australia joined the Second World War, during which more than 39,000 Australians gave their lives. It was after the wars ended that November 11 became known as Remembrance Day.”
Tragically, over a century of service in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations, more than 102,000 Australian men and women have now made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This Remembrance Day wear a red poppy to show they will never be forgotten.
Mr van Manen said on Remembrance Day we remember all our fallen service personnel and the sacrifices they have made, including the many locals who have served.
“It is incredibly important to continue the tradition of pausing in remembrance and respect of our fallen defence personnel, now and into the future,” Mr van Manen said.
Claude Ryan (Service photo)
“I encourage all members of the community to mark this day in a solemn and dignified manner by partaking in the local services.”
This Remembrance Day wear a red poppy in remembrance of our fallen.
Along with the red poppy, the veteran community are encouraged to wear their Veteran Lapel Pin or Reservist Lapel Pin, provided as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, as a way to readily identify service to our nation through the defence force.
Australians are encouraged to share their personal commemorations on social media by using the #RemembranceDay. For more information about Remembrance Day, visit the Anzac portal.
Earlier this year, to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on August 15, a special commemorative medallion was made available to every living Second World War veteran to say ‘thank you for your service.’ Federal Member for Forde said while we could never repay the debt we owe to those who fought for our freedoms, we can honour and thank them in this simple but memorable way. Mr van Manen was able to present the medallion and commemorative certificate in person to Bert Cox.
Bert Cox Bio:
Warrant Officer Bert Cox of the Royal Australian Air Force was born in Murwillumbah in June 1924 and enlisted in the RAAF on October 8, 1942 and served until January 2, 1946. Bert undertook wireless training, gunnery training and went to Navigation School in Pyree. Bert was posted to New Guinea and served as a Flight Sargent, Wireless Operator and flew liberators out of Darwin & Morotai.
James Skelton Bio:
James was born in 1926 and was in the Royal Australian Airforce in the Ground Equipment Maintenance Section also known as ‘GEMS.’ He was serving at an air base repair depot near Charters Towards towards the end of WWII, Darwin from 1948-49 and Malaya from 1950-51. His son Jim Skelton Jnr says he was also involved in the Malaysian Confrontation and also saw combat during that time.
Claude Ryan Bio:
Claude enlisted in the Army in 1941 and served in Darwin. Claude was involved in building gun positions to protect our borders and served during the Darwin Bombings. Claude was called back to his family farm in 1944 as his father had fallen ill.
Remembrance Day can be a deeply emotional time for Australia’s veterans and their families, and some may find this time of year difficult.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website for more information.
