Remembrance Day is observed on the 11th of November every year. It’s a chance to honour and pay our respects to soldiers lost during World War I and World War II.
The day is acknowledged across Australia and most countries within the Commonwealth, including New Zealand and the UK.
How Did Remembrance Day Begin?
The 11th of November has become universally associated with remembering soldiers during the first world war. This conflict mobilised over 70 million people globally, with the estimated death toll falling between 9-13 million.
The 11th association with this remembrance is owed to one event: at 11 am on the 11th of November, 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats over the preceding four months.
In November, the Germans called for a truce (suspension of fighting) to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the terms of unconditional surrender, and the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month gained significance in the post-war years to remember this day.
In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, the 11th of November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in World War I.
After World War Two, the UK proposed that the day be renamed Remembrance Day to acknowledge and honour all who fought and died during both wars. The Australian Government agreed to the proposal. Today, Remembrance Day exists to pay our respects to the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts.
Why Do We Observe A Minute’s Silence On Remembrance Day?
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute of silence is participated in across the country in workplaces and schools to remember and honour the thousands of soldiers who died fighting to protect our lands.
Australian journalist, Edward Honey, is credited with first proposing the silence. Around the same time, a South African statesman made a similar proposal to the British Cabinet.
On the 11th of November at 11.00 am, we will pause to remember the courage of all from the Australian Defence Force and their bravery in the face of conflict.
3 Ways to Honour Remembrance Day
As well as observing the minute of silence, there are other ways to pay your respects and honour the day.
Below are three to explore:
1. Attend a Remembrance Service
Remembrance Day services will be held throughout Australia on the 11th. These services bring together veterans, their families, and other members of the community to pay their respects, share stories, and show ongoing support for our Defence force and service men and women who continue to protect our nation.
You can find where your nearest service is being held using the interactive map at the RSL website or visit the following sites:
- Information on the National Remembrance Day Ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial
- Information on regional and local Remembrance Day ceremonies.
2. Watch a Service Online
If you’re unable to attend a service in person and would like to show your support and respect for your local veteran community, you can join a service digitally.
Tune in online to watch live coverage from the Australian War Memorial on ABC TV and ABC iview on the 11th of November at 11 am.
3. Visit a War Museum & Attend a Tour
Understanding our shared histories, even when it is difficult, understanding our shared histories is an integral part of learning about who we are as a society. Taking the time to educate ourselves, speak with others and learn from their stories is vital to growing as individuals and a community.
War museums across Australia hold free tours for groups and schools. These are often held or joined by local veterans and can be an engaging and respectful way to learn more about the impact of war and why it is essential that we remember those who fought for us.
Where to Find Out More
Plenty of resources are available online to help you explore the history of war in Australia and the contributions of our Defence forces globally.
A few places to help you get started include:
You can also learn more about the Australian Defence Force via our dedicated Industry Profile and Employer Profile right here at Explore Careers.
