Australians mark 108th Remembrance Day with services honouring fallen soldiers
Ceremonies mark 108th anniversary of Armistice ending World War I
Quick Look
- More than 1,000 people attended the national Remembrance Day service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking the 108th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I.
- Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Defence Force Chief Admiral Mark Hammond attended, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute from Singapore en route to COP31 in Türkiye.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Remembrance Day marks the 108-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, a conflict that claimed the lives of 60,000 Australians. Ceremonies across Australia shared a minute's silence at 11am to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
More than 1,000 people have gathered at the national Remembrance Day service in Canberra, honouring those who died serving in conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
This year's Remembrance Day has marked the 108-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I — a conflict that claimed the lives of 60,000 Australians.
Ceremonies across the country shared a minute's silence at 11am to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 — the moment guns fell silent across the Western Front and the war ended.
In Canberra, the ceremony at the Australian War Memorial was attended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, Federal Nationals MP Michael McCormack — who represented the leader of the federal opposition, and Defence Force Chief Admiral Mark Hammond.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn laid a 92-year-old scarlet poppy wreath, which had been brought out of the memorial collections for the ceremony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Australian defence personnel in Singapore on his way to COP31 in Türkiye.
'Remember to remember'
Australian Army Chaplain Kelly Horne, who helped to train Ukrainian soldiers for the front line, gave the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial, honouring the fallen Australian soldiers who "paid the ultimate sacrifice".
"On Remembrance Day, we remember to remember," she said.
The chaplain said the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour listed 103,140 names of Australians who had died in conflict.
"Let's remember the incredible sacrifice of those who have lost their lives to give us the freedom that we know and enjoy today," she said.
'We hold them all within our own hearts': PM
In a statement issued overnight, the prime minister said Remembrance Day was a chance to honour all those who have fought and died in service of Australia.
"Across Australia today, from our biggest city to the smallest country town, we will gather in solemnity and gratitude," Mr Albanese said.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor, in a statement, said today was a chance for Australians to honour all who had served, suffered, and sacrificed for the nation in wars and military operations.
Mr Taylor paid tribute to his own grandfather who served in World War I, and his wife's grandfather who served in World War II.
"The deeds of those who served — and the inheritance they've bequeathed — inspire us to do what we must to protect our way of life."
Open Questions
- What specific details were included in the Prime Minister's statement issued overnight?
- How many people attended ceremonies in other cities and towns across Australia?
- What was the specific content of Opposition leader Angus Taylor's statement beyond the excerpts provided?
