It was a solemn scene at Cesnsock War Memorial on Sunday when the community gathered to honour our Diggers for Remembrance Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year held special significance as it was 100 years since WWI – the war to end all wars – ended.
Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch president Max Lewis delivered a stirring speech which outlined the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during WWI while Reverend Michelle Hazel-Jawhari led the assembled in prayer.
The service also featured a wreath-laying ceremony.
Services were also held throughout the region at Kearsley, Kurri, Weston and Branxton.
Kearsley’s service, at the Kearsley Community Hall, was attended by Mayor Bob Pynsent and included the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the service of Private William Powell, of Kearsley, who served o the Western Front.
Private Powell returned to Kearsley in 1918 after being wounded in action.
To further commemorate the Centenary of Armistice, the Cessnock RSL Pipes and Drums traveled to memorial sites throughout the Cessnock LGA – Cessnock, Kearsley, Abermain, Paxton, and Weston, playing on the hour from the time the Armistice was signed in France to the time the fighting actually stopped.
The commemoration culminated in a 9pm service at the Cessnock War Memorial.