Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, when Australia commemorates members of its armed forces who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
This year’s event is being held on the 25th anniversary of the nation’s largest peacekeeping mission to date, when thousands of Australian troops deployed as part of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET),
Launched in September 1999, the peacekeeping mission was a turning point in restoring stability to the region after a period of unrest and violence.
The multinational force was commanded by Australia’s General Peter Cosgrove and ensured the safe transition of East Timor to independence in 2002.
More than 5500 Australian troops were initially deployed, making it one of the largest operations since the Vietnam War.
Six Australians tragically lost their lives while deployed, or as a result of their service.
This year’s Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial will be broadcast live on television, as well as being live-streamed on the memorial’s Facebook page.
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting in World War I on the Western Front on November 11, 1918.
Formerly known as Armistice Day – in reference to the German surrender in 1918 – the name was changed to Remembrance Day in 1945.
Every year, one minute of silence is held at 11am (local time) on November 11 in Australia and other Commonwealth nations.
The red poppy is the best-known symbol of remembrance.
On the mud-soaked battlefields of northern France, the wild flower grew abundantly after the close of World War I.
What events are held?
Commemorative services are held in Australia at memorials, schools and community centres today.
The national ceremony is organised by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Across Australia, everyone is welcome to attend a Remembrance Day service.
They are free and you don’t need to be a Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) member to attend a service at your local sub-branch.
As part of the commemorations, the Sydney Opera House will be lit with the symbolic red poppies.
What happens at a Remembrance Day service?
Flags are lowered to half-mast about 10.30am (AEDT) before a service starts at 10.45am and the catafalque party will mount the cenotaph and take their positions.
Typically, the service will start with an Acknowledgement of Country, welcome speech, and words of experience or reflection from a veteran or service personnel.
After this, it’s common that a hymn, prayer or reading is shared before dignitaries and other guests of honour lay wreaths or poppies.
It’s customary to recite The Ode, play the Last Post, and observe one minute of silence.
The minute’s silence concludes with the playing of The Rouse and a designated spokesperson saying the iconic words, “lest we forget”.
