Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day History

Remembrance Day is a time to honour the courageous men and women who served and sacrificed for their country in times of war and conflict. This occasion provides an opportunity for reflection, instilling a sense of gratitude and understanding of the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces.

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, traces back to the end of World War I when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918. The tradition of observing two minutes of silence originated in Australia's involvement in the war, with more than 60,000 Australians losing their lives. Since then, Remembrance Day has become an integral part of national commemorations to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, including those who have participated in conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent operations such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In Australia, Remembrance Day is observed with numerous ceremonies and events held across the country, including the laying of wreaths at war memorials, the playing of The Last Post, and a minute of silence at 11 am to reflect on the lives lost. Schools and workplaces often encourage participation in these activities to foster a sense of unity and respect for the sacrifices made by past generations. Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th each year.

Top facts & quotes about Remembrance Day

• In 1993, on the 75th Anniversary of Remembrance Day, the remains of an unknown Australian soldier were removed from a French cemetery and entombed in the Australian Memorial Hall of Memory.
• The Poppy is a common symbol of remembrance for those who died in the pursuit of freedom. This flower was one of the few that sprouted up in the battlefields.
• On the second anniversary of the armistice in 1920, the commemoration became a funeral as remains of unknown soldiers were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triumph in Paris.
• They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation — the obligation to insure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. - Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral WW2
• We are dead, short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders Fields. - Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae (1915)

In the News and Trending for Remembrance Day

Top things to do for Remembrance Day

• Place a wreath at the grave of a deceased member of the military. Often, poppies are also places by the graves of decreased military members, especially from World War I.
• At 11:11am, observe a one or two minute silence in remembrance of those who died and suffered for the benefit of Australians in all wars and armed conflicts. This 2 minute silence is observed in most Commonwealth nations and many of the nations that participated in the war.
• Watch a movie about the First World War: Our favourites: The Great War (2007), War Horse (2011), The Trench (1999), In Love and War (1996) and Admiral (2008).
• Visit the Memorials' Hall of Memory and observe the November 11 ceremony. The War Museum also hosts activities and educational opportunities on this day.
• Spread awareness of the day on social media using hashtags such as #remembranceday, #armisticeday, #endofWW1 and #lestweforget.