Remembrance Day 2019
Acting Minister for Veterans Affairs Geoff Lee encourages everyone in NSW to participate in local events and to remember and acknowledge our veterans today, which marks 101 years since the signing of the Armistice of the First World War when a peace settlement was reached after four brutal years of warfare.
“At 11am on 11 November 1918, fighting stopped. Today, 101 years later, our communities unite to remember and reflect on the events which shaped our nation,” Mr Lee said.
“At 11am we will remember the 416,809 Australians who served their nation during the Great War, and also acknowledge the tens of thousands of Australians who have served in conflicts since.”
The State’s Remembrance Day Service will take place at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, with dignitaries, defence personnel and the public coming together to pay respect to our brave servicemen and servicewomen.
A Service of Remembrance will also take place at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, the State's principle War Memorial.
One year on from the official opening of the Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension, the Minister also announced the launch of the Hall of Service Interactive. Produced in partnership with the State Library of New South Wales, the Interactive is a 360 degree digital panorama which allows the public to view the Hall of Service, click on the walls and floor plaques and learn more about our State’s contribution to the Great War and conflicts around the world.
“This Interactive allows all communities to feel a sense of connection to our State's main War Memorial, especially for those who are unable to physically travel to the Anzac Memorial in Sydney,” Mr Lee said.
“See the artwork that features soil from 1,701 NSW towns, cities, suburbs and homesteads that enlistees of the First Australian Imperial Force gave as their home address. Explore the stories of those who answered the call to serve, and learn more about those communities who generously contributed soil in remembrance of our servicemen and servicewomen.”
The State’s official commemorations will conclude in the evening with projection of poppies on the Sydney Opera House.
“The Flanders poppy is a symbol of sacrifice and loss. For those who served on the battlefields of France and Belgium, the poppies were a familiar sight and they are strongly associated with Remembrance Day. It is fitting that our most iconic building will be used to honour the bravery and sacrifice of so many, reinforcing our respect and appreciation of Australia’s service personnel,” Mr Lee said.
The lighting of the sails will take place 7:45pm to 12am.
To access the Hall of Service Interactive visit: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/hall-of-service/