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Remembrance Day 2024
As you know, today is Remembrance Day. In honour of the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans and current serving personnel, we wanted to share some resources from The Department of Veterans Affairs' online ANZAC Portal. All of the below has been taken directly from their website, which you can access by clicking here.
At 11 am on 11 November 1918, an armistice signed 6 hours earlier between a German delegation and Allied representatives brought an end to fighting in World War I. Many still in the forward areas greeted the news with subdued relief and sorrow for the friends who'd lost their lives. Further from the front and around the world, there were joyous public celebrations and countless moments of quiet reflection in the homes of the fallen. People in the Allied countries rejoiced, but they also reflected on the terrible cost of victory.
In Australia and other countries whose soldiers had fought on the Allied side, 11 November came to be known as Armistice Day, a day to pause and remember the dead. Sixty thousand Australians had lost their lives in the war, almost one in 5 of those who served overseas. From a population of just over 5 million, this devastating loss touched families around Australia. After the war, Australian journalist Edward Honey wrote to a London newspaper, proposing 'five minutes of national remembrance' in honour of the fallen. His suggestion was well received, but 5 minutes of silence was impractical. So on 7 November 1919, King George V issued a proclamation calling for 2 minutes of silence at 11 am on 11 November. At the appointed hour, people across the British Empire paused for the first time in common reflection. It started an enduring tradition.
Two decades later, the world once again went to war. After another 6 years of global conflict and millions more dead, including 40,000 Australians, the Australian Government agreed to a British proposal to rename Armistice Day. It has been known ever since as Remembrance Day. Initially observed to honour the dead of both world wars, it now honours those who have died or suffered in wars and operations.
The DVA has created interactive activities for Remembrance Day, which you can find below.
In the Trenches crossword
In the Trenches word search
Finally, I wanted to include a poem that we all know well, that is as beautiful today as it was when it was written.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, 1914In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Image Credit: anzacportal.dva.gov.au
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, members.
If today is difficult for you, consider reaching out to one of the following resources.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling 24/7 to partners and children of those who have served. Call Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online.
and very well written.
