We will remember them
Each year, on this day, we commemorate Remembrance Day.
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting on the Western Front stopped as the armistice came into effect.
More than a century on, this day stands as a time to reflect and remember the more than 103,000 Australians who died while serving or as a result of their service in wars, conflicts, and peace operations.
At 11 am today, the nation will observe a minute of silence to honour all service personnel who died in the service of our country.
Australians mark Remembrance Day in a variety of ways, with commemoration taking many forms. Some will watch the Australian War Memorial's live-streamed National Commemorative Service; others will show their acknowledgement and support by wearing a red poppy. For many, today will be a time for quiet reflection about friends, relatives or ancestors who have served.
Recited to commemorate wartime service and sacrifice since 1921, The Ode of Remembrance has been adopted as a memorial tradition by numerous Commonwealth nations and encapsulates the sentiments felt on Remembrance Day.
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Close-up of poppies in a garden at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence.