Australians mark Remembrance Day with services honouring fallen soldiers

Remembrance Day services held across Australia to mark 108 years since end of World War I More than 1,000 people have gathered at the national Remembrance Day service in Canberra, honouring those who died serving in conflicts and peacekeeping operations. This year's Remembrance Day has marked the 108-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I — a conflict that claimed the lives of 60,000 Australians. Ceremonies across the country shared a minute's silence at 11am to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 — the moment guns fell silent across the Western Front and the war ended. In Canberra, the ceremony at the Australian War Memorial was attended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, Federal Nationals MP Michael McCormack — who represented the leader of the federal opposition, and Defence Force Chief Admiral Mark Hammond. Governor-General Sam Mostyn laid a 92-year-old scarlet poppy wreath, which had been brought out of the memorial collections for the ceremony. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Australian defence personnel in Singapore on his way to COP31 in Türkiye. 'Remember to remember' Australian Army Chaplain Kelly Horne, who helped to train Ukrainian soldiers for the front line, gave the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial, honouring the fallen Australian soldiers who "paid the ultimate sacrifice". "On Remembrance Day, we remember to remember," she said. The chaplain said the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour listed 103,140 names of Australians who had died in conflict. "Let's remember the incredible sacrifice of those who have lost their lives to give us the freedom that we know and enjoy today," she said. "Let's remember those who have been forever wounded by war, and let's remember that we can have hope. We can be hope. We can give hope." 'Not just an exercise in nostalgia' Tasmanians have marked Remembrance Day with services around the state, including at the Hobart Cenotaph. Unfortunately, the cannon failed to fire after the Ode of Remembrance. Retired Colonel Ross Byrne told the assembled crowd it was a day to honour those who had served and reflect on the cost of war and conflict. Among those laying wreaths were the Tasmanian Governor Caroline Wells and Hobart's new Lord Mayor Charles Wooley. Governor Wells said the service was more than just a commemoration of a past peace. "Remembrance is not just an exercise in nostalgia; it is a moment to face the world's brokenness and to recommit to our duty in the present,"she said. "Remembrance Day is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy in this country has been paid for with blood, that peace has been purchased with sacrifice, and the duty to protect both rests now with us." 'We hold them all within our own hearts': PM In a statement issued overnight, the prime minister said Remembrance Day was a chance to honour all those who have fought and died in service of Australia. "Across Australia today, from our biggest city to the smallest country town, we will gather in solemnity and gratitude," Mr Albanese said. "We hold them all within our own hearts, just as we hold all who have followed – for this generation and all the generations to come." Opposition leader Angus Taylor, in a statement, said today was a chance for Australians to honour all who had served, suffered, and sacrificed for the nation in wars and military operations. Mr Taylor paid tribute to his own grandfather who served in World War I, and his wife's grandfather who served in World War II. "Australia wouldn't be the country it is today but for all those Australians who, across our history, risked all to fight evil, to defend our home, and to preserve our freedoms,"Mr Taylor said. "The deeds of those who served — and the inheritance they've bequeathed — inspire us to do what we must to protect our way of life."