Remembrance Day 11 November

By the time the guns fell silent on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month in 1918, more than 60,000 Australian sailors, soldiers and aviators had died among approximately 16 million other combatants and civilians in the world’s first Great War.

On Remembrance Day, we remember all Australians who have served our nation.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, will attend the Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and will lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.

“Today we pay tribute to all who have served our nation and remember those, who in making the ultimate sacrifice, lay at permanent rest in near and distant lands and waters,” General Campbell said.

“We remember their colleagues and mates who returned home; especially those physically, mentally or spiritually wounded – forever changed.

“We remember their families and their sense of grief and loss.

“Although some remain unidentified or undiscovered, they are not forgotten. We remember their sacrifice, selflessness, bravery and determination.

“On this day 30 years ago, the Unknown Australian Solider was interred at the Australian War Memorial. He made the final journey home on behalf of all those who did not. While we do not know his name, he is all of them and he is one of us.”

Chief of Personnel, Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, AO, CSC, delivered the address at the Australian War Memorial National Ceremony.

“The consequences of, and sacrifices for, service are the legacy of war,” Lieutenant General Fox said. “They are the enduring burden experienced by our people.

“It is the loss of life, the grief endured, the absences experienced and the loss of time together, that impacts us all.

“And this is why we must always ensure we come together, to take a moment in time to pause in our busy lives, to observe the minute of silence and to remember the service and sacrifices.

“Lest we forget.”

The Australian Defence Force currently has approximately 1800 personnel deployed on operations in Australia and overseas.