Councillor, Brian O'Connor is the Chairman of the  
"Yass Remembers 1918" Committee which organised this day to commemorate the sacrifices made during the Great War and the signing of the Armistice 80 years ago. His speech, "THE DAY WE COMMEMORATE" was delivered at the RSL luncheon held at the Yass Soldiers Club, Saturday 7th November, 1998. The following are the notes for that speech. 

Good afternoon to our diplomatic guests, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. 

1. The "Yass Remembers 1918" Committee is an extension of the Yass Heritage Project which many will remember brought the successful Irish Girls project to Yass. 
2. There is so much heritage in Yass that it is important we continue work in this area. If not, it could be lost! 

1. Battered, tattered and torn and containing nine verses and ballards, it was called "Written in the Front Line" by Signaller Tom Sheykill who landed at ANZAC Cove on the 25th April, 1915 and was blinded by an explosion on 8th May. 
2. Some of the ballads were written in the trenches and the others he composed, as he lay sightless in hospital and were transcribed. 
3. They were published in the London, Cairo and later the Australian Press.  Some are in rhyming (C. J. Denis style) Aussie slang, for example, "The Sniper", " Me Brother Wot Stayed at 'Ome" and "The Naked Army". 
4. Others are more formal.  I would like to quote from the introduction by Maj. General Whiteside McCay written 3rd Dec, 1915. 

"They breathe the love of country and of courage, the spirit of battle, soldiers comradeship, sympathy for the fallen, and withal, the unconquerable cheerfulness of the true fighting man" 

Halt! Thy tread is on heroes' graves; 
Australian lads lie sleeping below; 
Just wooden crosses at their heads, 
To let their comrades know. 
They'd sleep no better for marble slabs, 
On monuments so grand; 
They'd lie content, now their day is done, 
In that far off [Turkish] land. 

Officers and privates who fell 
In that first fierce rush of fame, 
They lie there, comrade by comrade; 
Their rank is now the same. 
The city boy from his ledger, 
The country boy from his plough, 
They trained together in Egypt, 
And sleep together now. 

I noted the earlier remarks of the National President of the RSL in regard to the possible exclusion of the First World War from the History requirements in our State education system. 

1. Like Major General Peter Phillips I am rather alarmed that this may happen and hope that common sense prevails following the publicity this matter has received. 
2. Remember: History is the Propaganda of the Victor! It is only by the supreme sacrifice made by the 282 from the Yass District, who died in the First World War and the supreme sacrifice made ( and the actions of those who served) in the other wars our country has been involved in, that we can read OUR History today.  It could have been someone else's! 

• Our Distinguished Guests for their attendance; 
• The Yass RSL Sub-Branch for its splendid support; 
• The Yass Historical Society for a big job in research.... 
• The Federal Minister for Veteran's Affairs, Bruce Scott, MP, for the Federal Grant that has partly funded the commemorative activities. The remainder (a small amount) will be funded by  the Yass Heritage Project; 
• Dr Richard Reid and Cheryl Mongan, authors of the book to be launched today, "We have not forgotten"; 
• The Yass Shire Council for a first class job in preparing our main street for to-day and in particular General Manager Gary Chapman. (He did get many requests for things to be done, and they were) 
• The Yass Tribune and Editor Reg Wood for their solid support; 
• The Royal Military College Band and the Australian Rugby Choir for their attendance to-day; 
• Yass State Emergency Services for traffic control; 
• The Marchers; 
• Kate Walker for her first class design of our Web Site; 
• The people who knitted the memorial sock; 
• The business community who provided support and 
• The Yass Community in general. 

Last but not least, Bruce Marshall in his RSL role has been tireless in his efforts and considering he has just had major surgery his effort has been tremendous.  I hope he gets through today without a major somersault!  Bruce... thanks to you also. 

Finally let me quickly read from two letters I found at home belonging to my grandfather, T. P. Williamson, father of Harold and Roy Williamson, who both gave their lives, two of the 282 who came from Yass and died in the War. 

From the Army, OIC Base Records 8/4/1920. 
To T. P. Williamson Yass 

I shall be much obliged if you will let me know what relationship you bear to the late No 375 Lance Corporal H. Williamson. 1st Battalion.  This information is required in order that the late soldier's Military affairs may be finalised.  Yours faithfully etc.... 

My Grandfather replied on 12th April 1920. 
To the OIC Base Records, Melbourne. 

Dear Sir, 
In reply to your request of April 8th, I beg to inform you that the late No.375 Lance Corporal H. Williamson, 1st Battalion, was my son. 
Yours faithfully, 
T. P. Williamson 
Yass NSW 

This letter and all the other 281 letters are what this day, 
"THE DAY WE COMMEMORATE"  is all about. 

Thank You.