Australians will gather at commemoration services around the nation to honour the thousands who died in military conflicts over the past 106 years.
Remembrance Day commemorates the deaths of the millions of Allied service personnel killed in the Great War in Europe, where more than 60,000 Australians died.
Also known as Armistice Day, marking the signing of the peace agreement that ended World War I, Remembrance Day in Australia also honours those who lost their lives in later conflicts.
“On this day 106 years ago, the guns fell silent on the Western Front,” Defence Minister Richard Marles and Veteran’s Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said in a joint statement on Monday.
“In the years since, Remembrance Day has become a day where we turn our minds to all of those who have served our nation – in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations – and the 103,000 Australians who have fallen.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Australia remembers the fallen “so we don’t forget who we are”.
Melbourne’s commemoration will take on extra significance, marking the 90th anniversary of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The Shrine was originally opened in 1934 and will be illuminated on Monday to read the word ‘love’ at 11am – the exact moment the Armistice was signed.
“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.”
A national service will take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where Governor-General Sam Mostyn will deliver a commemorative address.
After the commemoration, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Mostyn will make an announcement about a military honour.
A minute’s silence will be observed at 11am and Australians around the nation are being asked to pause for silent reflection.
In the New England, there will be services at most major centres, including a service at Tamworth Town Hall from 10am, a march in Glen Innes to Anzac Park for a service at 11am, and a service in Moree at 10.45am.
It is a particularly special day in Barraba, with the 100th Birthday of the Barraba Memorial Clock being today. The striking large clock tower at the intersection of Maude and Queen Streets was built by Sydney architect Sir Major General Charles Rosenthal and opened in 1925 to remember the war. There will be music by the town band, the Poppy Project with knitting patterns available, along with mailbox, property entrances, and storefront displays, a poem competition, and historic stories and photos for display. as well as the ceremony beginning at 10am.
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