On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War.
On the first anniversary of the Armistice (11 November was known as Armistice Day until after WWII), King George V asked all the people of the British Empire to observe two minutes’ silence at 11am.
It’s a tradition still honoured today during Remembrance Day services as we remember all who have served in the Australian Defence Force, in WWI and in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations since.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT YOUR VILLAGE?
OBSERVE A MINUTE’S SILENCE AT 11AM.
Wherever you are on 11 November, remember to remember at 11am.
Set a reminder in your calendar or phone, switch your phone to ‘do not disturb’, and pause for just a minute in memory of the fallen. It’s a simple action that means so much.
WATCH OR LISTEN TO A SERVICE ONLINE OBSERVE
No matter where you are on Remembrance Day, you can tune into a commemorative service via ABC TV, ABC Radio, the ABC listen app and ABC iview.
WEAR A POPPY OF REMEMBRANCE
Wearing a red poppy on Remembrance Day is a simple way to show your support and commemorate those who have served. It’s customary to pin your poppy to the left lapel of your shirt.
You may also choose to wear a purple poppy (beside the traditional red poppy) in remembrance of animals who died while serving.
WHERE TO BUY POPPIES FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
You can usually buy a Remembrance Day poppy through RSL Sub Branches. Poppy merchandise is also available at Military Shop.
You can also support RSL Australia’s Poppy Appeal by planting a poppy in the virtual Remembrance Garden. Your donation supports veterans and their families, and you can dedicate your poppy in someone’s name.
In Flanders Field
It was a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, who penned In Flanders Fields – the poem that first associated poppies with remembrance. Devastated by the death of a close friend and fellow soldier, LCol McCrae wrote the poem during the second battle of Ypres in 1915. LCol McCrae sadly died later in the war. However, his words are still recited by millions each year on Remembrance Day:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lest we forget