Australians’ opportunity to remember and honour the fallen

Remembrance Day is an opportunity to remember and honour the sacrifices of the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in wars and conflicts, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, said today.

"Traditionally, we pause on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to remember the men and women who died fighting to protect our freedom and way of life," she said.

"Today marks the 86th anniversary of the end of World War I. In that conflict, more than 330,000 Australians saw overseas service and more than 61,000 lost their lives.

"Although more Australians would go on to serve in World War II, the number of Australians killed in World War I remains the highest number killed in one conflict.

"Sadly, our living links to this conflict are diminishing, with only four known Australian veterans remaining from World War I," she said.

Mrs Kelly said Remembrance Day was also a time to remember all conflicts in which Australians had served, not only World War I.

"Australians cemented their reputation as courageous and honourable soldiers in World War I, and the generations of diggers that followed have upheld the traditions of our original Anzacs," Mrs Kelly said.

"Australians have been involved in conflicts ranging from colonial wars to World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War and in more recent conflicts, such as Afghanistan, as well as peacekeeping operations around the world since 1947.

"In particular, this Remembrance Day, I encourage all Australians to pause and think about the members of the Australian Defence Force who are currently serving around the world, from Iraq to the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor)."

Ends

Media contact: Tony McMullan 0427 941 281

Media note: The Minister will attend the RSL (Queensland Branch) Wreathlaying Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square, Brisbane from 10:45am.