PM urges Remembrance Day reflection

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged all Australians to mark Remembrance Day by reflecting on past sacrifices and current military missions.

remembrance_day_L_111111_aap_1207505855
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged all Australians to mark Remembrance Day by reflecting on past sacrifices and current military missions.

The nation will pause at 11am today to mark the anniversary of the armistice which ended the fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918.

More than 102,000 Australians have lost their lives in the service of the nation.

During the Afghanistan mission 32 Australians have died and 209 have been wounded.

"We pause to remember the Australians who have served with distinction in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world," Ms Gillard said in a statement.

"This year we have sadly seen Australians in uniform lose their lives abroad and at home and it is important we recognise the service and sacrifice of these brave soldiers."

Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon will deliver the official address at the national commemoration held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

"This year marks significant anniversaries of major battles in Australia's military history," Mr Snowdon said in a statement.

"These include Tobruk, Greece and Crete 70 years ago, Kapyong and Maryang San 60 years ago and Long Tan 45 years ago - as well as the centenary of the formation of the Royal Australian Navy."



Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world