In a world where respect and solemnity are a norm on days of national significance, it's jarring when these expectations get shattered.

Remembrance Day is dedicated to honouring the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country.

However, this year's Remembrance Day was marred with crime, which left the local community in shock and police on high alert.

At 11 am, during the sacred Minute of Silence observed nationwide, a man allegedly took advantage of the reflective pause to rob a Coles supermarket in Manuka, ACT.

The suspect entered the service counter wielding a kitchen knife.

He used the knife to force two cash registers open before fleeing with a sum of cash.

The crime, committed during the nation's act of remembrance and gratitude, sparked outrage and a chase by the ACT Police.

CCTV footage of the robbery was posted online for awareness. Image Credit: ACT Police

The police described the man as a Caucasian, aged between 30 to 40 years, with a medium build and short blonde hair.

He wore a navy blue cap, a blue jumper, dark pants, black runners, and a pair of glasses.

The authorities also shared CCTV footage of the incident, showing the man's actions.

With this information, the police urged the public to assist authorities in catching the culprit.

Australia commemorates Remembrance Day every 11 November, as it marked the signing of the armistice agreement, which ended World War I in 1918.

Remembrance Day is a poignant moment for Australians as everyone remembers the heroes who fought for the country.

During Remembrance Day, people wear poppies and observe a minute of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to remember those who have fallen.

However, the man's crime added a layer of disrespect during the commemoration.

While the crime had no casualties, the psychological impact on the staff, customers, and community members cannot be underestimated.

The violation of a moment meant for reflection and respect is a stark reminder that vigilance is necessary even on our most sacred days.

The ACT Police called on anyone with related information to the man to come forward.

They also expressed interest in speaking with anyone present during the robbery or anyone who may have seen the man before or after the incident.

We encourage everyone to stay informed about this incident and to support the efforts of the police by sharing any related information.

It's a reminder that while we cherish the freedoms and peace secured by veterans, there are still those who would disrupt society's order and respect.

We want to express our gratitude to the service men and women, past and present, who have made sacrifices for Australia.

Let us not allow the actions of one individual to overshadow the true meaning of Remembrance Day.

If you have any information that could help in the investigation, contact ACT Police or Crime Stoppers.

Key Takeaways

• ACT Police started searching for a man who robbed a Coles store during the Remembrance Day Minute of Silence.
• The incident occurred at the Coles Manuka store around 11 am, when the man used a large kitchen knife to force open two cash registers.
• Police described the man as a Caucasian, around 30 to 40 years old, with a medium build and short blonde hair.
• No one was physically injured, and police urged the public to assist in apprehending the suspect.

How do you feel about this incident occurring on such a significant day? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the importance of maintaining respect for our national observances in the comments section below.

 

[elaine41]

So, while people are all standing around, checkouts are manned but not being operated during the minute's silence, someone ran into the store, used a knife to open 2 registers making a considerable amount of noise while doing this, & no one heard anything or saw him? Not a very plausible story.

 

[BigAl6164]

Rremembrance Day is definitely one event worth maintaining. But it seems to be less honoured as the year's go by. You would never have known what day it was this year as people went about their busy, getting and spending right through 11:00 am, without a pause.

While we're ruminating, does anyone know why Australia only has one minute's silence while nations like the UK and many others have two?

 

[Annna]

Over recent years I've seen people around me not observing the minute of silence.

I am a first generation Australian but Australia is unarguably my home. I feel deeply for those that have sacrificed in service for us.

Those who roam around or continue what they're doing at the 11th hour in November (11.00am) make me sad and angry.

Readers, please reply to state how we should address this behaviour without coming across as biased/racist or intolerant .

 

[Knell]

Rremembrance Day is definitely one event worth maintaining. But it seems to be less honoured as the year's go by. You would never have known what day it was this year as people went about their busy, getting and spending right through 11:00 am, without a pause.

While we're ruminating, does anyone know why Australia only has one minute's silence while nations like the UK and many others have two?

Good question...I had to go looking for the history (Commonwealth)...
Is it because it started as Armistice Day which marked the end of WW1 celebrations and King George V requested 2 min silence. However, as wars continued - “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.” ?

 

[Knell]

I remind my boys every year even though I know they all have it as a reminder set in their phones. Due to their work, it is not always possible to adhere to the minute silence, but they are aware of it and therefore they give it the thought/acknowledgement.

 

[Clancieblue]

Is 1 minute silence acknowledged at schools and all other government facilities. I complained to aged care manager in one facility that this was not observed.

 

[BigAl6164]

Good question...I had to go looking for the history (Commonwealth)...
Is it because it started as Armistice Day which marked the end of WW1 celebrations and King George V requested 2 min silence. However, as wars continued - “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.” ?

Sounds right. Thanks

 

[June E]

So many people are here from other countries, who knows,
maybe they don’t understand what it is or don’t agree with it. Do they have a minutes silence in schools ? I know they used to.
Perhaps more education about it for new comers ? Even if they don’t agree they need to have respect for those who do. Yes it needs to go on otherwise so many gave their lives for nothing !
I am a war widow and my late husband always marched and participated in Remembrance Day and Anzac Day my boys in the cadets did the same.
Where were the employees that the creep got any where near the tills in the first place ? You would have thought a security guard at least was there.

 

[Viellarde]

Rremembrance Day is definitely one event worth maintaining. But it seems to be less honoured as the year's go by. You would never have known what day it was this year as people went about their busy, getting and spending right through 11:00 am, without a pause.

While we're ruminating, does anyone know why Australia only has one minute's silence while nations like the UK and many others have two?

Could it be a southern hemisphere thing? I've never heard of the 2min silence in at least 6 countries/islands in this part of the world. Maybe we should ask the RSL?

 

[deni67]

How did he do that in 1 minute?

 

[deni67]

My children observed it at their primary school, they would have a special assembly and everyone in the school had to attend, even the Dentist they had there..

 

[DLHM]

Could it be a southern hemisphere thing? I've never heard of the 2min silence in at least 6 countries/islands in this part of the world. Maybe we should ask the RSL?

Observance in the Commonwealth. The common British, Canadian, South African, and ANZAC tradition includes a one or two-minute silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when the armistice became effective.

 

[natalielocket]

Over recent years I've seen people around me not observing the minute of silence.

I am a first generation Australian but Australia is unarguably my home. I feel deeply for those that have sacrificed in service for us.

Those who roam around or continue what they're doing at the 11th hour in November (11.11am) make me sad and angry.

Readers, please reply to state how we should address this behaviour without coming across as biased/racist or intolerant .

Is 1 minute silence acknowledged at schools and all other government facilities. I complained to aged care manager in one facility that this was not observed.

That Age Care Manager should be sacked. That is so disrespectful that the minute silence was not acknowledged. Surely the Staff should have observed it. Considering TV`s are on in most/all community based rooms, there is no excuse