RSL NSW President Ray James has today encouraged people to Remember to Remember and pause to reflect with a minute’s silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
Members of communities across the State are urged to respectfully attend a Remembrance Day ceremony hosted by their local RSL sub-Branch on 11 November, a day that commemorates the signing of the Armistice agreement between German and Allied forces in 1918 – signalling an end to World War 1.
“Through the simple act of pausing for a minute’s silence at 11am, we can all come together to reflect and remember those who have given their lives in service to their country, those who have come home injured or ill, and those who bravely serve the country today,” Mr James said.
“Millions of Australians have personal connections to our nation’s significant military history, either as a current or former serving Defence member or as the relative of someone who served.
“Australia’s shared history binds us; it strengthens our sense of identify and unifies us.”
Importantly, Australians are encouraged to donate to the annual RSL Poppy Appeal to support veterans and their families by purchasing a poppy from local RSL sub-Branch volunteers or planting a poppy in the virtual Remembrance Day Garden.
Mr James will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, as a part of the official NSW Remembrance Day service which will be attended by the Governor of NSW, the Premier, and the Minister for Veterans’ together with Australian Defence Force officials and other dignitaries. The service will be live streamed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website and the RSL NSW Facebook page.
“No matter how you choose to commemorate Remembrance Day, all we really ask is that you remember to remember. Whether you’re in your office or working from home, attending an RSL sub-Branch commemoration or live streaming a service, please take a minute at 11am to pause, reflect and remember,” Mr James said.
All RSL Remembrance Day commemorative services will be facilitated in accordance with NSW Government guidelines. For more information on Remembrance Day please contact your local RSL sub-Branch or visit remembertoremember.com.au to find out more about Remembrance Day.
ABOUT REMEMBRANCE DAY
At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating, German leaders signed an Armistice (suspension of fighting), bringing an end to World War I. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month became universally associated with the remembrance of those who died in this war. On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, two minutes’ silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony in London.
After the end of World War II, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day to better reflect an occasion commemorating all war dead. In 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to observe one minute’s silence at 11am to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
