Commemorating Remembrance Day 2018

6 November 2018

Commemorating Remembrance Day 2018
On Sunday, 11 November 2018, Australia will mark a significant milestone in its military history, commemorating the centenary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War.

From a population of around 4.5 million, some 416,000 enlisted for service in the Great War, of whom more than 60,000 would never return.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, is encouraging all Wide Bay local communities to participate in their commemorative service on 11 November and observe a minute’s silence at 11am to remember the Australian men and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Over the course of our history, almost two million men and women have worn with pride the uniforms of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.  They have defended our values, secured our freedom and brought peace,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Tragically, more than 102,000 names are today listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour and it is important we honour and remember their service and sacrifice.

“It is also incredibly important to instil an ongoing tradition of remembrance and respect in future generations, and for our Defence Force personnel to know their sacrifices are honoured, now and into the future,’ said Mr O’Brien

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the Great War affected every community, large and small, in what was a very young nation.

“On 11 November 1918 at 11 am, the guns on the Western Front fell silent and the most destructive war the modern world had seen was all but over and countries around the world celebrated,” Mr Chester said.

In this final year of the Anzac Centenary, it is important to pay tribute to those who served in the First World War and all who have served and died for Australia with honour in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
ENDS