Remembrance Day is one of the most significant and poignant days on the Australian calendar, as the nation unites to pause and remember those who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Our nation stands in silent reflection for one minute at 11 AM on 11 November each year to commemorate and honour the courage and sacrifice of all Australians who have served their country.
There are many ways to commemorate this Remembrance Day, including the following suggestions.
Pause for one minute of silence
Australians pause together at 11 am for one minute of silence to remember those who have died or suffered in all wars, armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations. We do this because the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment silence fell on the Western Front in France at the end of what we now refer to the First World War in 1918.
Play some music
Music is an integral part of commemorative events as it evokes strong feelings and memories. Download an audio file at the Anzac Portal.
Watch a Service
The National Commemorative Service is held at the Australian War Memorial and includes a wreath-laying ceremony and observance of 1 minute’s silence at 11 am. View via the ABC.
The Shrine of Remembrance will also be live-streaming.
Make a Poppy or Wreath
Red poppies and floral wreaths are symbols of commemoration in all Commonwealth and allied nations. Make and display a poppy or wreath on your front door or letterbox.
Research an ancestor’s service
Research the military service of an ancestor or family relative. Gather oral history in your family and check out the Researching Australians at war guide to get started.
Share your story
Share the story of who you will remember on social media with the #RememberanceDay2021 #LestWeForget and #WeRememberThem hashtags.
Visit a local war memorial
Find your local war memorial via the Places of Pride website. The Homefront Sculptures in Greensborough War Memorial Park are now lit up at night time for a different experience.
Watch a Documentary
Homefront is a documentary on the Greensborough Sculptures that will screen on SBS-TV at 4.10 PM on Remembrance Day. The History Channel on Foxtel will be screening related documentaries all day. Look for DVDs and streaming videos via our collection including:
- The War Begins, 1939, 2020
- The Road to War, 2018
- Colour of War: the Anzacs, children of the Empire, 2015
Read Stories
Our Wikinorthia: Documenting life in Melbourne's north includes a numberof personal reminiscences of war time experiences and stories which we published in 2016 as part of our project Fine Spirit and Pluck: World War One stories of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.
Take a moment to reflect on who you will be thinking about this Remembrance Day.