The service of more than one million Australian service men and women was reflected on today as the country stopped for a minute’s silence to mark Remembrance Day.
The day marks 99 years since the signing of the Armistice with Germany that brought an end to World War I on November 11, 1918.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan encouraged all Australians to take a minute, at 11am, to think of the 102,000 service men and women who have lost their lives during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
A bugler from the Australian Navy plays the Last Post at 11.00am on Remembrance Day before the 2017 Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse
A Poppy wreath is seen during the Remembrance Day ceremony on Emirates Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse
Members of the Catafalque party mount at the stone of remembrance during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
‘I encourage everyone to observe one minute’s silence today and to wear a red poppy to honour the memory of their service,’ he said.
To mark this year’s 99th anniversary of the Armistice signing, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann delivered a commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial.
His speech was followed by one minute’s silence and a laying of floral tributes at the memorial’s Hall of Memory.
Members of the guard of honour march during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
A boy holds a cross and a poppy in hands during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
‘It’s a really important day for Australia because it marks the 60,000 men and women who sacrificed their lives during this tragic war,’ AWM spokesman Chris Wagner said.
‘It’s also important that people remember that the minute’s silence at 11am is not just about being silent, it’s also about stopping and reflecting on the service of those who have served our nation – not only in WWI, but in wars after that and who continue to serve.’
At Martin Place in Sydney, more than 300 people observed a minute’s silence at a ceremony attended by NSW Governor David Hurley and state and federal politicians.
Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a ceremony to commemorate Remembrance Day during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Danang, Vietnam
Meanwhile in Da Nang, Vietnam, Malcolm Turnbull and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern took time out from their duties at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to mark their respects.
The duo lay poppies on a table displaying the headwear of armed service members in a brief ‘private moment of reflection’.
‘Today Australians and New Zealanders remember every ANZAC serviceman and woman who has made a supreme sacrifice to keep our nations free,’ Mr Turnbull said
‘ANZACs created an unbreakable bond between us and created a legend. We hold them dear in our hearts and minds.’
The prime minister said the horrors of the Western Front were never darker than when autumn turned to winter in 1917, with more than 6800 dead in October alone.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also took time out noting the conflict lef ‘few families were untouched, mine included’
‘Yet our young soldiers and our young nations persevered. Resilient, strong and free,’ Mr Turnbull said.
Ms Ardern said the anniversary was a deeply personal one for New Zealand, which send 10 per cent of its fledgling population to the First World War, and suffered the highest per capita rate of casualties.
‘Few families were untouched, mine included,’ Ms Ardern said, adding New Zealanders placed a high premium on peace.
‘We owe it to all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in war not to be complacent about the peace they gifted us.’
Australia’s Finance Minister Mathias Cormann lays a wreath at the stone of remembrance during a Remembrance Day ceremony
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister David Parker joined their leader for the service.
Ms Ardern said Australia’s and New Zealand’s bonds were solidified during the conflict – ‘one of the most devastating wars in human history.’
‘Despite the horrors and misery our troops treated each other with kindness, with empathy and with humour that we often refer to as mateship,’ she said.
‘This continues to be a defining feature of our relationship.’
Defence force crews, diplomats and officials travelling with the official delegations also attended the service.
Australia’s Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove arriving during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra