Remembering our fallen heroes

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee reflects on the courage, valour and sacrifice of the men and women who have served the country in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“From those who fought on the Western Front more than [a] hundred years ago to those still serving abroad today, we must continue to acknowledge their service and sacrifice,” he writes.

“Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for many veterans and those families who lost loved ones, and this year will be particularly difficult for those who served in Afghanistan, and their families.

“We should use this day to also acknowledge the tireless work of all those individuals and organisations who support our veterans and their families. Many of them are veterans themselves and selflessly devote their time to helping others.”

Remembrance Day 2021 marks the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice ending the First World War, during which 300,000 Australians served overseas and over 60,000 lost their lives.

Minister Gee cites Lance Corporal Morgan, Second Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who wrote on 11 November 1918:

“One sits and ponders sadly of those many pals who are 'gone to that home from which no wanderer returns.' … The very flower of our manhood have paid the greatest price, not willingly for not one of them but longed to live, return home and forget, yes just forget the horrors of the past … Please God … the sacrifices have not been in vain.’”

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Minister Gee continues: “Just 21 years later Australians were called on to fight in the Second World War and they have continued to serve for generations since.”

He encouraged all Australians to commemorate Remembrance Day and to honour the fallen by following the tradition of wearing a red poppy.

“The poppies grew in the battlefields of France during the First World War, a burst of colour amidst the darkness and devastation,” Minister Gee said.

“I encourage everyone to buy a poppy from the Returned Services League (RSL) to help fund its work and wear it proudly in support of the veteran community.

“While COVID-19 restrictions may limit how we are able to gather this Remembrance Day, they will not stop us from honouring our fallen.

“Whether at home, work or school, or at a service in your local community, I encourage all Australians to pause for a minute’s silence at 11am to remember them, and to keep this vital tradition alive.”

 RSL Queensland has partnered with the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) to raise awareness of Remembrance Day. This Remembrance Day.

Digital out of home (OOH) signs, controlled by OMA members, will display an RSL message reminding Australians to pause for one minute’s silence.

The 'Remember to Remember' campaign is supported by Afghanistan veteran and three-time Paralympic gold medalist Curtis McGrath OAM, who lost both legs after stepping on an explosive device while deployed overseas. 

“With the generous support of OMA and the wide reach that its digital advertising screens enable, we can ensure that no matter where people are and what they’re doing at 11am on 11 November, they will Remember to Remember,” RSL Queensland state president Tony Ferris said.

“More than a century has passed since the guns fell silent on the Western Front, however the legacy of these Diggers has carried down the past century. It continues to be embodied in those men and women who have served and sacrificed in conflicts right up until the present day. “Remembrance Day is a time to pause and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, those who returned home injured or ill, and those who bravely serve our country today.  

“We can get so caught up in our busy lives and distracted by work that we have begun to forget to pause and reflect on this sacrifice. “This year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, take a moment and Remember to Remember.”

OMA CEO Charmaine Moldrich added: “We are proud to support this campaign by spreading awareness for Remembrance Day to commemorate and honour war veterans and soldiers who sacrificed so much so that we can continue to live free lives."

Soldier On CEO Ivan Slavich noted the importance of recognising the service to the nation and paying tribute to the efforts of Defence personnel.

“Remembrance Day is a day for the Australian public to show their respect and acknowledge the sacrifices of our service men and women. As a community, Australia needs to come together to ensure that our veterans and their families are adequately supported,” Slavich added.

Sergeant Bert Le-Merton, the 102-year-old March On Patron, also encouraged Australians to support contemporary veterans.

“Whilst we remember today those members of our armed forces who have died in the line of duty, it is also so important that we never forget to care for our surviving veterans,” he added.

The 2021 national Remembrance Day commemoration service will be hosted by the Australian War Memorial, with the service to rake place from 10:45am — broadcast on ABC, radio, television and online for those who cannot attend in person.