November 11 marks an important day for Australians, not only does it signal the day WWI ended, but it is also a day to commemorate and honour all those who have lost their lives whilst serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations around the world.

We spoke to local veteran, 84-year-old Geoff McKay, Secretary of the Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Remembrance Trust, from Allambie Heights about his service and his plans for Remembrance Day.

When did you serve and how long for?

I joined in 1956 and completed service on and off for 12 years, leaving when I was 29 years of age. I did not deploy overseas but was close to being sent to the Suez Crisis in the Middle East in 1956, but we got called off. 

What were some of the reasons that you joined the military?

The first reason, in my age group, everyone left school and joined. We were part of an earlier generation that loved our country, and we were patriots. We went into the reserve army and were then called up to national service, which was then compulsory. The motivation was for our country.

What was your position in the army?

When I left, I was in the 17th Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment and I was a Sergeant.

How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military?

They encouraged it. I wanted to be patriotic and it is something I am proud of. 

What do you remember the most about your time in the military?

The discipline! Learning to iron your clothes and do everything for yourself, regimentation, and a feeling of belonging to a country.

What are the key things we should know about Remembrance Day?

Respect for the fallen.

How will you commemorate the day?

Along with Northern Beaches Council, I will be organising the Manly Dam service involving three primary schools whose School Captains will all give speeches. It will be a magnificent service.

Remembrance Day commemorates the Armistice which formally concluded hostilities in World War I, the ceasefire taking effect at 11.00am, on 11 November, 1918 after more than four years of continuous warfare. It is marked by a minute’s silence every year.

This year Council will host two services, taking place at Manly War Memorial, on The Corso (in front of Manly Town Hall) and Manly Dam War Memorial (King Street, Manly Vale) on Friday 11 November, commencing at 10:45am (please arrive by 10:30am). All are welcome to attend, with private tributes welcomed.

For other local services visit our website.