Nambucca Heads residents assemble at Cenotaph for Remembrance Day 2021

Remembrance Day Services were held in every town across the valley, with RSL Sub Branches of Nambucca Heads, Bowraville, Macksville, Stuarts Point, and Taylors Arm all hosting services at their respective Cenotaphs.

Attendance numbers were slightly down compared to previous years at the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph, but 36 year army veteran and RSL Sub Branch president Mick Birtles says plenty of people still came to honour those who have served.

"Under the circumstances, it was a great turnout at Nambucca Heads," he said.

"I think the threat of bad weather and uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions hurt attendance a bit, but overall, it was great to see people coming out and paying their respects to our veterans."

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This year also marks the third time Nambucca Valley Radio (2NVR) has offered a live stream of the day for those unable to attend in person.

The local initiative has proved quite popular and the broadcasts have spread well beyond the borders of the Valley.

"This is the second or third year 2NVR has streamed the Remembrance Day ceremony on their website and the radio; they also stream the ANZAC Day service," Mick said.

"People in other countries have been tuning in and attending virtually, along with those in aged care homes and people who are unable to attend in person for whatever reason."

Pastor Sydney Coetzee from the Nambucca Christian Life centre led the prayers, while Nambucca Heads RSL Sub Branch Vice President Rob Freebairn gave the address.

Rob gave a timely reminder that while the rest of the population continue with their lives as usual after Remembrance Day, the same can't be said for a lot of veterans, many of whom struggle every day.

He concluded by imploring everyone, when you see a veteran, ask how they are and maybe even extend a thank you, a sentiment echoed by Mick Birtles.

"Days like Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day are still very important; we always need to remember that there are service personal still on active duty all around the world," Mick said.

"It's not only those who are in uniform that we should reflect upon, but also the families and communities of our service men and women."

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