ON the 100th anniversary of the armistice that signalled the end of conflict in World War I (WWI), Muswellbrook will host a large commemoration across a number of community venues.
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The centenary is a landmark occasion, and is sure to bring in an above-average crowd to recognise both the fallen soldiers and the culmination to “The Great War”.
Despite the Treaty of Versailles not being signed until June 1919, or taking effect until January 1920, the end of WWI is acknowledged as being on November 11, 1918.
A century on, that date will fall on a Sunday, which is set to spark a huge attendance at St Alban’s Anglican Church, where attendees will be seated by 9.20am and proceedings will start at 9.30am.
That will be followed by a ceremony at the cenotaph, before a luncheon at the Muswellbrook RSL Club at noon.
There will be plenty of groups involved with school children, Muswellbrook Shire Council mayor Martin Rush and the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music’s string quartet all taking the part throughout the day.
The latter of which will be performing during the lunch, which is $40 per head for a two-course meal.
Lieutenant Colonel Retired William “Bill” Tindale will provide a speech, discussing the importance and culture of Australia’s armed forces.
Tickets for that function can be bought at the Muswellbrook RSL Club leading up to the day, however the church service and cenotaph ceremony will be free of charge.
Reverend Scott Dulley said the preparations for this particular event took about six months, but it had been in planning long before that.
“This closes a four-year season of remembrance for the centenary of Anzacs,” he said.
That time included commemorations for the beginning of WWI, Anzac Day, and the Battle of Beersheba.
It’s sure to be an emotional event, and will draw a bumper crowd due to its unrivalled significance.