NCE DAY . 11 NOVEMBER 2023
Front . Unknown soldiers were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triumph in Paris . The entombment in London attracted over one million people within a week to pay their respects at the unknown soldier ’ s tomb . Most other allied nations adopted the tradition of entombing unknown soldiers over the following decade .
After the end of the Second World War , the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day . Armistice Day was no longer an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead .
In Australia on the 75th anniversary of the armistice in 1993 Remembrance Day ceremonies again became the focus of national attention . The remains of an unknown Australian soldier , exhumed from a First World War military cemetery in France , were ceremonially entombed in the Memorial ’ s Hall of Memory . Remembrance Day ceremonies were conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over the country , culminating at the moment of burial at 11 am and coinciding with the traditional two minutes ’ silence . This ceremony , which touched a chord across the Australian nation , re-established Remembrance Day as a significant day of commemoration .
Four years later , in 1997 , Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day , urging all Australians to observe one minute ’ s silence at 11 am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia ’ s cause in all wars and armed conflicts .
Courtesy of Australian War Memorial https :// www . awm . gov . au /
Sydney , NSW , 11 November 1919 . The view from Castlereagh Street looking down towards George Street , of a large crowd which has gathered in Martin Place to celebrate Armistice Day . The clock on the GPO building says twelve o ’ clock and a replica sailing ship float has been set up in the centre . A bandstand with a domed roof is visible in the background .
Lest we forget
with Susan Templeman MP
On Remembrance Day we remember those who died or suffered defending Australia in wars and conflicts . For me , it ’ s particularly a day to think of both my grandfathers who fought in WW1 .
While Australians enjoy peace and stability , conflicts across the globe are a reminder of the fragility of peace , the horrors of war and the great sacrifice tens of thousands of Australians made for our freedom .
Services are once again being held by local RSL sub- Branches and I would encourage anyone who can attend in person this year to take part . You can find your nearest RSL sub-Branch and service by visiting www . rslnsw . org . au / getinvolved / find-a-sub-branch /
If you ’ re not able to attend in person you can still mark Remembrance Day wherever you are by observing a minute ’ s silence at 11am , wearing a poppy or visiting a virtual war memorial online .
Due to COVID-19 the ability for RSL branches to fundraise has also been limited over the past few years , so buying a poppy or donating to the Poppy Appeal this year helps provide much needed support to Australian veterans and their families .
I extend my gratitude to all Defence Force members in our community and their families .
We must never forget the sacrifices of those who serve , nor the Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting and defending our country .
Lest we forget .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 162 // NOVEMBER 2023 27