On Monday, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we paused for a minute’s silence across the nation to honour the soldiers who died fighting to protect our country, 106 years after the end of World War I.
Remembrance Day is, of course, observed on this historic day, marking the moment when, after more than four years of relentless conflict, the guns on the Western Front fell silent at 11 am on 11 November 1918.
At the Gosnells War Memorial, located in the Civic Centre Gardens, a special ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with the Gosnells RSL leading the Remembrance Day service.
In attendance were several veterans, elected officials, local leaders, and members of the community, all gathering to pay their respects to those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Gosnells RSL President Fred Flor, who served with the 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment for over 30 years, said it was heartening to see so many people, young and old, come together to pause and pay their respects, something that means a great deal to him.
“On this day, we remember the fallen and the sacrifice that they took for us,” Mr Flor said.
“We’re reaping the rewards of their sacrifice for a free country, so it’s incredibly important we never forget their service and continue to honour their legacy.”
He hopes Remembrance Day will continue to inspire new generations to honour and support veterans and active service members.
“We need people to support both veterans and active service members, and hopefully, days like Remembrance Day serve as a reminder for that,” Mr Flor said.
“I just encourage any veterans who may be feeling lonely to join their local RSL and become actively involved; they’re most welcome here.”
In a joint statement, Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Matt Keogh, the local Member for Burt and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, said Remembrance Day was an opportunity to honour all those who have served Australia in various roles, whether in conflict or peacekeeping missions.
“Remembrance Day has become a day where we turn our minds to all of those who have served our nation – in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations – and the 103,000 Australians who have fallen,” the statement read.
“On this day 106 years ago, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. After years of bloodshed, red poppies began to bloom on the devastated battlefields across Europe. Those poppies became a symbol of sacrifice and hope. We still cherish them as our flower of remembrance.”
“As we wear those poppies today, we pause to pay tribute to all of the Australians who have served in our Defence Force for their commitment and sacrifice to our nation. We will remember them. Lest we forget.”
