Richmond Park will fall into a reverent hush as the clock strikes 11 on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Richmond RSL Sub-branch will lead a Remembrance Day service, inviting the community to honour those who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. But beyond the solemn wreath-laying at the Richmond War Memorial, this day represents something more profound - a chance to connect the past with the future and remind younger generations why this tradition remains so vital.

For many young people, Remembrance Day may seem like an event disconnected from their daily lives. After all, the wars it commemorates feel like ancient history. However, this day is more than just a moment of silence; it's a bridge between the past and present, a reflection on how peace, often taken for granted, has been hard-won.

The tradition of observing a moment of silence at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month began after World War I, the so-called "War To End All Wars." It's a time when entire nations pause to reflect on the immense loss of life, not just from that conflict, but from all wars. More than 60,000 Australians died during World War I, and the ripple effect of that loss continues to shape families and communities.

But how does this history resonate with younger generations? Today's young people may not feel the immediate impact of global conflicts, but they live in a world shaped by them. The soldiers, airmen, and sailors whose service we remember on this day fought for ideals that still resonate—freedom, fairness, and unity. In many ways, these values are even more relevant in today's rapidly changing world.

The Richmond RSL Sub-branch invites all members of the community, young and old, to the 2024 Remembrance Day service. As they gather at Richmond War Memorial, local school students will stand alongside veterans and military personnel, laying wreaths to commemorate those who came before them. It's a powerful visual reminder that, even though past wars may seem far removed, the legacy of service and sacrifice lives on.

Involving schools and younger community members is part of a broader effort to ensure the importance of Remembrance Day continues to resonate. The Richmond RSL Sub-Branch hopes that by bringing together people of all ages, younger generations will see the relevance of reflecting on peace and the price paid for it.

"Remembrance Day is an opportunity for young people to connect with history in a meaningful way," a spokesperson for the Sub-branch said. "It's not just about looking back, but about understanding how the past shapes our present and future. The peace we have today was earned through great sacrifice."

So, as Remembrance Day approaches, it's worth pausing to consider why we observe this tradition. It's not just for the older generations who remember the wars firsthand but for young people whose future is being built on the foundation of those sacrifices. This November 11, Richmond will once again honour that legacy—and invite a new generation to carry it forward. 

Details of the Remembrance Day Service:

- Location: Richmond War Memorial, Richmond Park

- Time: 10:55am, Monday, November 11, 2024 (assemble by 10:40am)

- Covered seating available for veterans and older community members.