In photos: Remembrance Day 2022
RSL NSW members, current serving members, their families, high-profile guests and the general public gathered for Remembrance Day services across the state. Here’s a recap of some of the commemorations, in photos.
At a glance:
- Almost 20 RSL NSW members attended the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.
- Notable guests included The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Dominic Perrottet MP, Premier of NSW, RSL NSW President Ray James OAM, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley CSC RAN, Commander of the Australian Fleet, and more.
- The event was preceded by a dawn service at the Opera House in Circular Quay, where red poppies were projected onto the side of the building.
Opera House dawn service
The day began with a gathering of RSL NSW members, veterans, current serving members, their families and the general public at the Opera House in Circular Quay for a dawn service.
The Army Bugler performed the ‘Last Post’ in front of the brightly-lit building.
RSL NSW President Ray James OAM.
The Cenotaph in Martin Place
Later in the morning, a crowd converged on the Cenotaph in Martin Place for the main Remembrance Day service.
104 years since the end of World War I, 77 years since the end of World War II, 47 years since the end of the Vietnam War and just over a year since the final Australian troops left Afghanistan, the hundreds-strong cohort witnessed the laying of wreaths at the base of the Cenotaph and stood in silence for one minute at 11am in remembrance of all veterans and their service.
“Thousands of people have gathered … to remember our ancestors,” said Gudjala Elder Uncle Harry Allie BEM, who gave an Acknowledgement of Country.
Wreaths were placed by The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Dominic Perrottet MP, Premier of NSW, and other dignitaries.
WGCDR Peter Overton AM was master of ceremonies for the duration of the service, which attracted hundreds of onlookers from the general public in addition to invited guests and RSL NSW members.
RSL NSW President Ray James OAM placed a wreath and also read the ‘Ode’, with the concluding sentiment of “We will remember them” being echoed by all those in attendance.
Photo credit: NSW Government
Prior to one minute’s silence at 11am, the ‘Last Post’ was performed by bugler MUSN Benjamin Bruni of the Australian Army Band.
Photo credit: NSW Government
The Sydney Male Choir gave a rendition of the hymn ‘I vow to thee my country’ and the Australian National Anthem, accompanied by the Australian Army Band, Sydney.
Photo credit: NSW Government
The Governor speaks privately with members of the Catafalque Party from 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, Richmond.
Photo credit: NSW Government
Veterans, their families and members of the general public were welcomed to come forward and lay their own wreaths below the Cenotaph.
Image gallery: NSW Government
Image gallery: RSL NSW
For more veteran stories, member recruitment tips and news, sign up for the RSL NSW monthly newsletter. Subscribe now.
