Shane Cooper, President RSL Mullumbimby
As president of the Mullumbimby RSL Sub-branch and representative of our members I wish to express my disappointment at the disregard and lack of respect shown for our Commemoration of Remembrance Day ceremony held at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, as it has been each year for 101 years since the Armistice.
Whilst the information meeting held was very important, the timing, 11 o’clock, and place, Memorial Hall next to the Cenotaph, meant that those gathered to show their respect and participate in the ceremony were unable to fully do so. The instruction by an organiser of the meeting, during the service to turn off the sound system meant the ceremony was held without the usual music and guest speakers were difficult to hear.
Surely this important meeting could have been held at a time other than 11 o’clock, earlier or later in that day. This would also have allowed our participants to attend the information session as we too are local property owners and community members.
A question of priorities I’d say.
Surely no one would organise a meeting in a Memorial Hall next to a war memorial at that time on 11/11? and not expect to be quiet during the remembrance ceremony. The RSL ‘s disappointment is understandable.
The RSL can go jump.