On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.
At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.
The Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the Allied terms of unconditional surrender.
The conflict had mobilised over 70 million people, left between 9 and 13 million dead, and as many as one third of these with no grave.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. It became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War II to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.
Today, the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day ceremonies are conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over the country, culminating at 11:00 am with the minute silence.
Paul Fisher of the Young RSL Sub-Branch said it meant a lot to veterans to see the support for Remembrance Day growing in recent years.
“It was successful and there were quite a lot of Ex-Service people there. I’d estimate there were about 15 Vietnam Veterans there. A lot of others were wearing medals that were from the family, their fathers or grandfathers, which was nice to see. The day turned out to be very good,” he said.
The Sub Branch was very happy to see such a roll up, and I’d say there were seven wreaths laid, including our local member, the police force, RSL, and cadets.
“The weather held out for it. It was a bit windy, which cut the sound back a bit, but it’s getting bigger and bigger. There was certainly more there this year than last year.
“The cadets did the carrying of the guard, then wreath laying, the Ode, and everything followed a pattern. There was a prayer. There was also a speech by the Sergeant.
“It means a lot to my generation of veterans, Vietnam blokes and that. You’ve got to keep it alive because it signifies what our people have gone through over the years for the country. Countless people have died in war throughout our history, and we want to remember them.
“There are still around 1,500 Australian service people on operations overseas now.”All services were represented, Navy, Army, and Air Force were there. It was a good spread of people.”
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
– Jack Murray
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