The Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Sussan Ley MP, and the Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, The Hon Darren Chester MP, will attend the National Remembrance Day Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra today to pay tribute to all Australians who have served our nation in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Australians pause in silence to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of generations of men and women who have worn our nation's uniform.
From the beaches of Gallipoli to the skies over Europe, from the jungles of Vietnam to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond Australians have served with honour, courage and mateship. Their service and sacrifice form the foundation of the freedoms and values we enjoy today.
Since Federation, more than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to our country. Countless others returned home carrying the physical and emotional wounds of war. Their legacy is one of quiet strength, national pride and enduring sacrifice.
This year's Remembrance Day holds special significance as the nation marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, a conflict that involved nearly one million Australians and changed the course of our history.
Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley said Remembrance Day was a moment for unity, gratitude and reflection.
"Today we honour every Australian who has served in uniform, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home forever changed, and those who continue to serve our nation with distinction," Ms Ley said.
"Eighty years on from the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation whose courage and sacrifice secured peace for millions. Their legacy lives on in the values of courage, duty and mateship that continue to define our Australian Defence Force today."
Mr Chester said the act of remembrance was not only about the past, but also about our responsibility to support veterans and their families in the present.
"When Australians stop for a minute's silence, we not only honour the fallen, but reaffirm our commitment to those who continue to serve and those who carry the impact of service," Mr Chester said.
"We remember their families, who have stood beside them through hardship and loss, and we recognise that our obligation to them is lifelong."
Both Ms Ley and Mr Chester encouraged Australians to attend local services or simply pause in silence to pay tribute to all who have served.
"It's a small gesture, but a deeply meaningful one," they said. "In that moment, we are united as a nation in gratitude and respect."
"We will remember them."
