Remembrance Day mail out encouraging younger Australians to learn about wartime history

Schools across Australia can this week expect the Remembrance Day mail-out in preparation for 11 November, when the nation will commemorate veterans for their service and sacrifice in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said that one way the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) promotes Remembrance Day each year is by producing and distributing educational kits with a specific commemorative focus.

“101 years ago Remembrance Day was known as Armistice Day, remembering those who served and died in the First World War,” Mr Chester said.

“Now it is a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served Australia in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and it is why each year on 11 November, we observe one minute’s silence at 11am.

“The educational kit encourages younger generations to learn about Australia’s wartime history and the significance of Remembrance Day and wider commemoration.”

The 2019 mail-out is distributed to more than 17,600 recipients across Australia and overseas and includes a Remembrance Day poster, the 2020 DVA calendar and educational resources.

This year’s Remembrance Day poster features the Ode of Remembrance and words taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem, ‘For the Fallen’.

“I encourage all schools, students and communities to get involved in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations to remember all those who have proudly served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Chester said.

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