Advertisement

Nation remembers ultimate sacrifice on day guns fell silent

Australia pauses on Remembrance Day

Source: Facebook / RSL Australia

Australians will pause to honour the thousands who died in military conflicts in commemoration services around the nation.

Remembrance Day commemorates the deaths of the millions of service personnel killed in the Great War and subsequent battles around the globe.

Previously known as Armistice Day, marking the signing of the peace agreement that ended World War I, Remembrance Day in Australia honours those who lost their lives in conflicts.

Melbourne’s commemoration will take on extra significance, marking the 90th anniversary of the Shrine of Remembrance.

The Shrine was opened in 1934 and will be illuminated on Monday to read the word ‘love’ at 11am – the exact moment the Armistice was signed.

Australia pauses on Remembrance Day

Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance is marking its 60th anniversary. Photo: AAP

“As we mark the Shrine’s 90th anniversary, we are reminded the values of courage, sacrifice, and service are as relevant now as they were nearly a century ago,” Shrine CEO Dean Lee said.

“In a time when global events call for reflection on peace, security, and shared humanity, the Shrine’s role in fostering remembrance has never been more vital.”

There will be a national service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where Governor-General Sam Mostyn will deliver a commemorative address.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mostyn will make an announcement about a military honour.

Remembrance Day Canberra

Sam Mostyn will deliver a commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: AAP

A minute’s silence will be observed at 11am and Australians around the nation are being asked to pause for silent reflection.

In Sydney, a service at the Martin Place Cenotaph will begin at 10.30am, while the Opera House will be illuminated with images of poppies at dawn and dusk.

NSW Veterans Minister David Harris announced last week the government was funding the care and upkeep of 15 war memorials around the state, worth $128,000.

RSL Queensland said there would be more than 140 events at sub-branches statewide, the highest number in three years.

The RSL’s official Queensland service begins at Brisbane’s ANZAC Square from 10.15am.

“I work with veterans and their families every day, and I know that taking the time to commemorate the sacrifice and loss of those who served on Remembrance Day is one of the most powerful ways you can show your support,” RSL Queensland state president Major General Stephen Day said.

RSL WA will use the occasion to call for DNA donations to try to help identify unnamed fallen soldiers from a battalion involved in one of World War I’s most devastating battles.

The 32nd Battalion fought in July 1916 and 718 soldiers were wounded or killed. More than 70 bodies found in a mass grave in France in 2008 are yet to be identified.

RSL WA’s official service will be held at the State War Memorial in Kings Park.

-AAP

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.