Remembrance Day 2021 marks the 80th anniversary since the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, was unveiled to the public by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrie on 11 November 1941.
More than 5,000 people attended the event including the Prime Minister John Curtin, General Sir Thomas Blamey, and 18 recipients of the Victoria Cross.
In the 80 years since, countless Australians have made the pilgrimage to the site of national remembrance and honour.
“I believe it’s the most significant building in Australia because it tells our national story of service and sacrifice,” said Nationals Member for Gippsland and former Veterans Affairs Minister, Darren Chester.
“At the Australian War Memorial are the names of 102,000 members of the Australian armed forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice. When we read these names in Canberra or on the thousands of honour rolls and memorials in town centre’s and country halls in Australia – we keep our promise.
“It’s the promise to never forget the service and sacrifice of 416,000 Australians who enlisted in World War 1, and more than 60,000 who never made it home to the country they loved – and the country that loved them in return.
But don’t just see the names – think of the stories behind them, Mr Chester appealed.
“They gave up their peaceful lives on the farms, the towns and in the cities of a young nation – to travel 17,000 kilometres to the other side of the world and fight in the most destructive war the modern world had seen.”
“They left behind wives, children, girlfriends, mums, dads, aunties and uncles and their best mates.”
“So as we remember them – so too, we remember their families and loved ones – and we remember the lost dreams and the hopes for the future that they must have held.
“As we remember, we can commit ourselves to respecting their service in all that we do today. We honour the fallen of from all conflicts and peacekeeping missions by the way we choose to live in 2021. We wear a red Flanders poppy and we stand for a minute’s silence at 11am to honour their service and sacrifice, and ensure the memory of their service is preserved and respected.
“We remember those who returned home carrying with them the scars of their service, and the family members who cared for them. And we thank all those currently serving.”
“This Remembrance Day, I urge all Australians to attend their local services, wear a red poppy, and stop at 11 am for a minute’s silence. Lest we forget.”
Historic photos courtesy of AWM, Canberra.
