Remembrance Day 2021: Kempsey service and veterans lunch

This was the first time in more than two decades the day has been marked without Australia being involved in an active conflict.

President of the Kempsey Macleay RSL sub-Branch, Allan Wardrope, said it was important to reflect on the battles of the past.

"We should consider ourselves so damn lucky that our forefathers did what they did, and we as ex- servicemen are very proud by the fact we follow in their footsteps," Mr Wardrope said.

The ceremony was held at the Kempsey cenotaph which included a reading of The Ode and playing of The Last Post before veterans and the public observed a minute's silence followed by the wreath laying ceremony.

Mr Wardrope said some residents didn't come due to COVID concerns, but overall he thought the turn-out was great.

"I think it was a total success in regard to what we have gone through in the last two years," Mr Wardrope said.

The ceremony was followed by a lunch for returned veterans and sub-Branch members at the Memorial Hall.

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 and marks the signing of the peace agreement between Germany and the Allies that ended the Great War of 1914 to 1918.

The day has since expanded over the years to solemnly remember all the fallen men and women who have lost their lives serving our country.

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