- Today marks 100 years since the end of World War I
- More than 61,000 Australians died in one of history's bloodiest conflicts
- Premier paid tribute to Anzacs at RSL ceremony and hosted reception for war veterans
- McGowan Government launched a range of initiatives over 2018 to honour the Anzacs
To commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I, Premier Mark McGowan has paid tribute to the sacrifices made by our Anzacs by laying a wreath today at the Returned and Services League ceremony at Kings Park and hosting a reception for war veterans and their families at Government House.
The First World War killed and maimed more Australians than any other conflict, with more than 61,000 Australians killed including 7,000 Western Australians.
Today (November 11, 2018), marks 100 years since the Armistice was signed and World War I, one of history's bloodiest conflicts, ended.
This year the McGowan Government has launched a number of initiatives to honour our Anzacs, and educate and engage the wider community about the Anzac Centenary story.
The Premier has hosted a number of receptions including events in Albany, Bunbury and Collie to commemorate the centenary of Anzacs.
Up to 130 guests are expected to attend today's reception to be hosted at Government House.
Throughout the year, the Premier met and interviewed veterans, who served in a range of conflicts, to launch a web series to commemorate the Anzacs.
These interviews included one with former Perth digger John 'JJ' Wade, one of the last 'Rats of Tobruk', who passed away this year.
The interviews can be viewed at https://anzac.dpc.wa.gov.au/Pages/Reflections-on-the-Centenary.aspx
The State Government has also funded a tour of key First World War sites in Belgium and France for eight Western Australian students.
The tour, which departed for Europe on November 3, is designed to bolster young Western Australians' knowledge of the implications of the First World War while gaining valuable insights into the meaning of mateship and the Anzac spirit.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Today marks 100 years since World War I ended - one of history's bloodiest conflicts that killed and maimed more Australians than any other conflict.
"I have spent time this year meeting many veterans, whether they have attended one of our Anzac commemoration receptions or if they have been interviewed for our web series - Reflections on the Centenary.
"I feel honoured to have spent this time with these exceptional men and women - it is a reminder of how important it is to pay our respects and remember and honour the sacrifices made by Western Australians who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations."
