Parramatta will pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed in wars and armed conflicts this Remembrance Day on Wednesday 11 November.

Residents are invited to join local services held by the Epping RSL and Parramatta RSL sub-branches and supported by City of Parramatta.

The Epping RSL sub-branch service will be held at the Cenotaph in Boronia Park from 10.45am, while the Parramatta RSL sub-branch service will begin at Prince Alfred Square from 10.50am.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Cameron MacLean said Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our service men and women and their families.

“Remembrance Day is a chance to pause and pay respects to the Australians who served our country, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Cr MacLean said.

“We stand together to honour those who lost their lives or suffered through war and conflict, and to recognise the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones.

“Parramatta has a proud tradition of remembrance, and I encourage everyone across our City to join one of our local services to pay their respects and ensure the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.”

The City of Parramatta RSL Sub-branch secretary Bryan West JP said 11 November marked the anniversary of the 1918 armistice, which effectively ended World War I.

“This date is of national importance as it honours all military personnel who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr West said.

“At 11am on Remembrance Day in Prince Alfred Square, the people of Parramatta and across the country will observe a minute’s silence to reflect on the human cost of war.

“The City of Parramatta RSL Sub-branch will honour the pledge made by our forebears so long ago to never forget the service, sacrifice and courage of the lives lost over the years.”

Epping RSL Sub-branch former president John K Curdie OAM said the tradition of pausing at 11am on 11 November began in remembrance of the sacrifices of World War I.

“Today, Remembrance Day, as it is now identified, we pause to honour all military personnel who have fallen in subsequent wars or peace keeping operations; this pause is for all to reflect upon the human cost of war,” Mr Curdie said.

“Wear your poppy with pride in remembrance of the sacrifice by the many who have died, in their course of duty, that we may have peace in our time.”

The City also pays tribute to the Epping RSL and Parramatta RSL sub-branches for their longstanding support of the community, as well as past and present service personnel.

For more information, visit Council’s website.