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Australia will observe a minute of silence at 11am today as the country reflects on the sacrifices of those who fought in the World Wars.
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month every year, Australia, and allied countries such as New Zealand and Canada observe a minutes silence to remember those who fought and died for their country.
It’s estimated that 103,000 Australians were killed in both World Wars.
This years’ remembrance day marks 104 years since the end of World War I and 77 years since World War II ended with services to be held around the country in honour.
A message from Ambassador Caroline Kennedy this Remembrance Day and U.S. Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/yDx62GfS1s
— U.S. Embassy Australia (@USEmbAustralia) November 10, 2022
The Red Poppy represents the day of remembrance with the Australian Army describing it as having “special significance for Australians”.
“Worn on Remembrance Day (11 November) each year, the red poppies were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War,” they said.
“In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.
“In England in 1919, the British Legion sought an emblem that would honour the dead and help the living. The Red Poppy was adopted as that emblem and since then has been accepted as the Emblem of Remembrance.”
This year marks the first time crowds have been able to gather without restrictions with people encouraged to attend their local service.
Landmarks around Australia have been lit up in red or are displaying poppies as a sign of respect.
Sunrise over the Opera House this Remembrance Day #lestweforget pic.twitter.com/rBYu5BZaZ6
— Sarah Mitchell (@smitchellmlc) November 10, 2022
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend a Remembrance Day Service in Sydney this morning.
Veteran’s Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said that it was vital “we must honour the service of the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have answered our nation’s call”.
