Armistice Day in Liverpool

13 November 2018

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, the bells rang out across Liverpool to commemorate 100 years since the guns fell silent in WWI.

The day began with a poignant reflective ceremony, before a joyful celebration full of costumes and memorabilia from the wartime era.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said it was important to remember the sacrifice made by those who served their country all those years ago and in every conflict since.

“On 11 November, 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare that claimed an estimated 40 million casualties worldwide,” Mayor Waller said.

“In those four years, more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas and more than 60,000 of them lost their lives.

“Hearing the devastating numbers and learning about the sacrifices of our local servicemen and servicewomen shows us that peace, freedom and harmony should never be taken for granted.”

Community leaders and residents came to Liverpool’s Bigge Park for a commemorative service hosted by Liverpool RSL sub-branch in partnership with Council, followed by an Armistice Day picnic.

The day included an old-time fashion show by Liverpool Girls High School and Liverpool TAFE, vehicles from the war-time era, an old time radio DJ and more family fun.

Sunday was also the final night for Visions of Peace a beautiful interactive trail including nine projections up and down Macquarie St.

A ‘paper boy’ handed out specially produced newspapers from the time, along with war poetry and journal readings and music from Liverpool Brass Band.