Australia remembers WWI

11 Nov 2009, 11:00 am   -   Source: AAP
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Australians will mark Remembrance Day today. (AAP)

Australians will mark Remembrance Day today. (AAP)

Australians have been urged to take time out to think of those killed in various conflicts as Remembrance Day ceremonies are held across the country.

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Australians have been urged to take time out to think of those killed in various conflicts as they observed one minute's silence in Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country.

This year marks 91 years since fighting ended on the Western Front.

At 11am on November 11 1918, fighting ceased on the Western Front, which brought to an end four years of bloodshed.

More than 61,000 Australians died in World War I on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, in the Middle East, at sea and in the skies above the battlefields.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II.

"On 11 November every year, at Remembrance Day services across the country and overseas, we pay tribute to more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peace operations," Veterans Affairs Minister Allan Griffin said in a statement.

"As we remember the service personnel of yesterday it is also important to remember the many good men and women who have passed away since their service and those who still live with the physical and mental scars today."

Australians have served in many other conflicts, including the Boer War, and those diggers should also be remembered, he said.

Mr Griffin also urged the public to remember those currently serving in conflicts around the globe.

"Sadly, more Australian service personnel have lost their lives in recent years and it is important that we recognise their service and sacrifice and spare a thought for the families they leave behind," he said.

Australia farewelled its last remaining link to World War I, Jack Ross, earlier this year.

The last Victoria Cross recipient in World War II, Ted Kenna, also passed away this year.
   
In New South Wales ceremonies were held at war memorials across the state including Sydney's Cenotaph in Martin Place.

Meanwhile Remembrance Day was marked with a flyover by RAAF museum aircraft and an Australian Light Horse re-enactment in Melbourne.

The annual Victorian State Remembrance Day ceremony was held at the Shrine of Remembrance from 10.30am (AEDT), with a minute's silence at 11am to pay respect to Australians who have served in armed conflict and peacekeeping operations.

The public were invited to attend the service, which will feature a flyover by RAAF museum aircraft and performances by the Victorian Girls Choir, Victorian Boys Choir and the Australian Army Band.

An Australian Light Horse re-enactment troop display will follow the ceremony.
   
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, which was dedicated on November 11, 1934.

British, Canadian, South African and ANZAC services observe two minutes' silence.

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