Remembrance Day has a special significance in 2018, as it marks 100 years since the armistice which ended the First World War.
It’s fitting, then, that a special effort was made this year to mark Remembrance Day and honour the Anzac spirit and all of those who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
Services were held at a number of RetireAustralia villages on or around 11th November.
Residents and staff at Forresters Beach Retirement Village on the Central Coast hosted a service at the village’s flagpole and Anzac memorial, which were erected and unveiled just before Anzac Day this year.
Forresters’ ceremony included a catafalque party from RAAF Base Williamtown, and a number of local dignitaries were in attendance, including Councillor Jilly Pilon.
Forresters Beach
Several of the village’s residents are ex-servicepeople and played a significant role in organising the event.
A service at Tarragal Glen Retirement Village included laying of wreaths, contributions from the Tarragal Singers, and speeches by Erina High School pupils Tiarna Holmes and Max Lihu.
Tarragal Glen
Wood Glen Retirement Village at Erina flew their flag at half-mast for a short ceremony at The Lodge at 11am on the 11th, when a minute’s silence was held.
Meanwhile, Glengara Retirement Village held a service on the Country Club lawn followed by entertainment from resident choral group, the Glen Singers.
Glengara
Boambee Gardens Retirement Village near Coffs Harbour held a wreath-laying ceremony in the village’s community centre, with a poppy-themed quilt made by resident Margot Davis used as a backdrop, followed by a sausage sizzle lunch for all residents.
In Bargara, Queensland, a service was held at Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village, while at Bartonvale Gardens Retirement Village in Adelaide, a low-key ceremony took place.
Torrens Grove Retirement Village’s flag was flown at half-mast, a minute’s silence was observed and over 1500 knitted poppies, made by resident Gwen Lawrence, were distributed.
Glengowrie Retirement Village also displayed knitted poppies, while an 11am minute’s silence was observed at Wisteria Grove Retirement Village, followed by a resident morning tea.
Thank you to all the residents, families, friends and colleagues who organised and attended services across our villages.
For more information about RetireAustralia’s communities, click here.
