8 November 2005
Media Release


Pause on Remembrance Day to honour the fallen

The Nationals Senator for Queensland, Barnaby Joyce today urged all Australians to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war, by pausing for one minute’s silence at 11am on Remembrance Day, 11 November.

“In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an Armistice was signed ending the death and devastation of World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, 11 November was set aside to pay tribute to all those who died in World War I, including more than 60 000 Australians,” Senator Joyce said.

“Following the end of World War II, it was renamed Remembrance Day, and has become a day to honour all those who have died in wars and conflicts.

“This year Remembrance Day takes on a special significance, as we remember the passing of William (Evan) Allan, the last surviving Australian World War I veteran with active service,” Senator Joyce said.

“Mr Allan represents a generation of Australian servicemen and women who are no longer with us and whose courage and sacrifice helped forge our national identity.

“In memory of William Allan, and all the men and women who have served our country and died in wars, conflicts and peace operations, I urge all Australians to honour them and continue the tradition of Remembrance Day, by wearing a red Flanders poppy and pausing for one minute’s silence at 11am,” Senator Joyce said.

“The Flanders poppy first became popular in Australia in 1921 to symbolise the end of World War I and the rebuilding of life. It was among the first plants that grew after the devastation on the battle fields in Northern France and Belgium.”

More than 1.5 million Australians have served in wars and conflicts – the Boer War, both world wars, Korea, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam, and current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq; as well as peace operations and humanitarian missions since 1947 in places such as Rwanda, the Balkans, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

The Australian Government supports the observance of Remembrance Day and is committed to raising awareness of our wartime history, through its commemorations program, Saluting Their Service.

“This Remembrance Day, I urge all Australians to take the time to pause for a minute at 11am and pay tribute to those who gave their tomorrow for your today,” Senator Joyce said.

“We will remember them.”

For more information on Remembrance Day and other commemorations visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, www.dva.gov.au.

Ends