One of the most significant celebrations on our calendar is Remembrance Day. We mark this day every year on November 11, remembering those who lost their lives while serving in conflicts, wars, or peacekeeping missions. It’s the anniversary of signing the Armistice that put an end to hostilities with Germany in World War I. Australia and many other nations keep a minute of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month since – the time the Armistice was signed. It's a time to remember the Australian service members who have died in the line of duty.

Ways to Show Appreciation

Since World War I, Australia has received many requests to serve in wars, crises, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian operations. The Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force have collectively seen about two million men and women proudly don their uniforms.

Sadly, the Australian War Memorial's Roll of Honour contains nearly 103,000 names. These are members of the Australian armed services who passed away during or shortly after serving in World War I, World War II, post-World War 1945 wars, warlike service, non-warlike duty, and certain peacetime operations. Australia comes together on Remembrance Day to pay solemn tribute to and remember all who have served and died. Here are some ways you and your family can show respect and appreciation on this momentous day.

Wear the Poppy

Battles in World War One destroyed the farms, fields, and land used for fighting in France and Belgium. There were almost no traces of life left. Red poppies, however, were among the first plants to return to battlegrounds when the fighting stopped.

As a result, the poppy has come to represent the pain and sacrifice endured by the courageous warriors who fought in such a frightening environment, and that is why we still wear it today to honour their memory. The poppy, albeit stunningly lovely, has come to stand for more than just the beauty of Mother Nature, evolving into a symbol for us to pause and consider where we are today as a result of those who have come before us.

Search for a specialised store where you can find thoughtful military themed gifts for you and your loved ones, including an Australian-designed Poppy Recollection that honours memory and respect. Such collections incorporate the red poppy with commonplace products such as stunning jewellery, snow globes, drinkware, wind chimes, caps and hats, scarves, candle sets, bookmarks, and gardening seeds.

By getting such military memorabilia, you can wear the poppy and showcase it in other beautiful ways. Besides the colour red, there are also various colours of poppies, such as purple, black, and white, that have distinct symbolic connotations.

Visit a Commemoration

The capital cities of each state and territory typically host commemoration services. Many Australian communities, councils, and schools also host numerous local events. You can observe the National Memorial Service live via the Australian War Memorial's website or host a personal commemoration.

Host a Personal Commemoration

If you have lost someone close in the World Wars, or you’re family of a veteran, you may have strong feelings about Remembrance Day. You can cherish this day to honour and commemorate those who have perished in a war, a conflict, or a peacekeeping mission and organise a commemoration yourself. The Community Engagement team at the Department of Veterans Affairs has a convenient collection of downloadable tools, known as the Remembrance Day Kitbag, to help you organise a commemoration.

The resource kit contains details on holding a memorial ceremony, kid-friendly activities, and suggestions for home commemoration. It provides materials for a Remembrance Day ceremony, including a proposed service order with flag procedure, music, model remarks, and the Ode of Remembrance. Print these out or modify them as necessary.

These events are a great way to show respect for your guests, especially for veterans, by gifting them military collectables. You can find a fine selection of Navy, army and air force military themed gifts online. Plaques, medals, medallions and stunning artwork are just some excellent examples.

Hold the Silence

At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1919—originally known as "Armistice Day"—2 minutes of silence were observed for the first time in remembrance of those who had died. The Australian government accepted the British suggestion to rename Armistice Day to "Remembrance Day" after World War II to honour and remember those who died in both World Wars. We celebrate the Australian lives lost in all wars and conflicts today.

Australia pledged in 1918 to never again forget the sacrifice and devotion of the 416,000 Australians who joined and the over 60,000 who died. We have upheld this pledge for more than a century. We continue to recall them.

If you can’t attend an event on Remembrance Day, please take a moment at 11 o'clock to reflect.

Support Our Veterans with Donations

If you can, support veterans this year by making purchases from and contributions to RSLs, fundraising setups, and stalls. This Remembrance Day, help those serving and have served by supporting them and making a difference.