Red poppies were projected on the sails of the Sydney Opera House as the sun rose this morning to mark the start of Remembrance Day.
NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris hosted a special sunrise service which included the sounding of the Last Post and recitation of the Ode by Queen Dunbar, President of the Families of Veterans Guild, to acknowledge the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of the War Widows Guild in NSW.
The official NSW Remembrance Day Service will commence at 10:30am at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. The event is open to the public with viewing areas accessible from George Street and Pitt Street.
Afghanistan veteran Patrick Burley will recite the Ode at today’s service, in acknowledgment of the 25th anniversary of the beginning of Australian service in Afghanistan. Mr Burley deployed to Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force Four, part of Combat Team Bravo.
It was 108 years ago that the Armistice was signed, bringing an end to fighting in the First World War. Over 416,000 Australians enlisted for service during the Great War, of a population of only 4 million. Many more defence personnel have fought in conflicts and peacekeeping operations since.
For more than a century, red poppies have been used as a symbol of community respect and recognition. Thanks to the NSW Government, poppies have been projected onto the Opera House since 2014 and will again light up the shells at 8pm tonight.
Local memorials, schools and establishments throughout our communities will also honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and servicewomen with many local Remembrance Day services taking place around the state.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Today on Remembrance Day, we pause to honour and acknowledge the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed in defence of our freedoms.
“Across NSW local communities will pay tribute to our service personnel by pausing at 11am and attending the many local services around the state.
“Lest we forget.”
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“Today is an important opportunity to honour and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the veterans who defended our freedom, this year we especially acknowledge the Afghanistan veterans and their families during this 25th anniversary year.
“This year marks 108 years after the end of the Great War we continue to reflect on the immense courage, endurance, and unity shown by those who fought across land, sea, and air, throughout Europe and the Pacific, and by those who supported the war effort at home.
“We wear poppies and observe a minute of silence today, and we express our deepest gratitude to all veterans, their families and current serving members of the defence force.
“Thank you for your service, lest we forget.”
Patrick Burley, Afghanistan Veteran said:
“I was incredibly honoured to be invited to recite the Ode during the NSW Remembrance Day Service today at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, especially this year during the 25th anniversary of our nation’s service in Afghanistan.
“The Ode serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Australians in defence to our country. Today, I honour the men and women that I fought alongside in Afghanistan, we come together to remember them, and all those who have come before us, and ensure their stories, service and legacy continue to live on in our communities.”
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