In solemn silence, we remember

At 11 am today, Australia will pause as a nation to honour all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations – and all who have lost their lives, or carried the wounds of service, in defence of our country.

We owe them a debt that can never be repaid.

Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of peace, and of the courage shown by generations of Australians in its pursuit.

In this 80th year since the end of the Second World War, when peace was won at a terrible cost – we honour the triumph as much as the toll.

From a population of just seven million, nearly one million Australians answered the call to serve in the Second World War, and around 40,000 never came home. We honour the bravery of those who fought, the resilience of those who served on the home front and the families whose lives were changed forever.

Today, we also remember the 103,000 Australians who have given their lives in service to their country, and the many more whose service left physical, emotional and unseen scars. Their sacrifice – and the sacrifice of those who loved them – will never be forgotten.

More than two million Australians have worn our nation’s uniform. We honour every one of them for their courage, commitment and duty.

This Remembrance Day, I encourage all Australians to join together in a minute’s silence at 11am – to remember, to reflect and to give thanks for those who have given so much for us all.

Lest we forget.

MEDIA NOTE

Imagery will be available via: https://images.defence.gov.au/s20253085

Remembrance Day can be a difficult and emotional day for Australia’s veterans and their families. We respectfully request media reporting reference Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling Service, available 24/7 on 1800 011 046.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.