Yesterday, we all took a moment on the 11th hour of the 11th day (of November) to remember and solemnly commemorate the sacrifices of those who served. This year marked 104 years since the Armistice was signed, signalling the end of World War I.

In an upsetting turn of events, as early as that afternoon, reports flooded in of blatant disregard and disrespect for the occasion.

It started with some working Australians confirming they were forced to attend meetings during the minute’s silence and were not allowed to pay their respects or acknowledge the important time.

A field of poppies. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sadly, this isn’t the end of the disrespect. Last year, a cenotaph was vandalised in the lead-up to November 11th, BBC presenters spoke over the Last Post, and overseas, climate protestors used the solemn day for publicity.

Silence for one or two minutes is included in ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies as a sign of respect and a time for reflection. Taking away this time, interrupting or downright ignoring the important practice is un-Australian and, quite frankly, disgusting.

Many of us have loved ones who served and may have also made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to us.

One particular story we heard this morning really upset us.

‘I work for a government/defence agency and had a meeting from 11am to 11:30am. There was no mention or acknowledgement of the time they’d booked over, nor an apology. Surprising given the workplace. I felt like I couldn’t speak up.’

Members, we would love to hear from you. Do you think respect for Remembrance Day is dwindling or is it just general disrespect increasing in all aspects of life?

To end on a happier note, take a look at the gorgeous knitted poppies that member @JayKay makes each year.

Image Credit: @JayKay

We’d love to hear how you honour Remembrance Day.

 

[morrisjenny]

Yesterday, we all took a moment on the 11th hour of the 11th day (of November) to remember and solemnly commemorate the sacrifices of those who served. This year marked 104 years since the Armistice was signed, signalling the end of World War I.

In an upsetting turn of events, as early as that afternoon, reports flooded in of blatant disregard and disrespect for the occasion.

It started with some working Australians confirming they were forced to attend meetings during the minute’s silence and were not allowed to pay their respects or acknowledge the important time.

View attachment 8757

A field of poppies. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sadly, this isn’t the end of the disrespect. Last year, a cenotaph was vandalised in the lead-up to November 11th, BBC presenters spoke over the Last Post, and overseas, climate protestors used the solemn day for publicity.

Silence for one or two minutes is included in ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies as a sign of respect and a time for reflection. Taking away this time, interrupting or downright ignoring the important practice is un-Australian and, quite frankly, disgusting.

Many of us have loved ones who served and may have also made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to us.

One particular story we heard this morning really upset us.

‘I work for a government/defence agency and had a meeting from 11am to 11:30am. There was no mention or acknowledgement of the time they’d booked over, nor an apology. Surprising given the workplace. I felt like I couldn’t speak up.’

Members, we would love to hear from you. Do you think respect for Remembrance Day is dwindling or is it just general disrespect increasing in all aspects of life?

To end on a happier note, take a look at the gorgeous knitted poppies that member @JayKay makes each year.

View attachment 8756

Image Credit: @JayKay

We’d love to hear how you honour Remembrance Day.

 

[morrisjenny]

I work at Bunnings and every store throughout Australia and New Zealand fell silent for our respect for those who had fallen and never returned for Rememberance Day. My great grandfather never returned from WW1, I had never met him, but every year at this time I remember him for what he had done and sacrificed his life for us all. LEST WE FORGET, Grandpa Bell..

 

[Philippa Rowland]

I work at a Government school, and for the last few years have noticed that I am the only member of staff who wears a poppy on November 11, or a sprig of rosemary for Anzac Day. The influx of immigrant students AND teachers should have no bearing on our acknowledgement of these 2 special days. They are now, presumably, “Australian”. Not only that, but the freedom and lifestyle our soldiers fought for is presumably why they or their parents decided to move here. Just as distressing and disappointing is that when the Queen passed away, there was a Government directive by email that all State Government departments were to fly their flags at half mast. Did we? NO. Signed - Disappointed Dinkum Aussie.