As the sun rose this morning, the NSW Government marked the start of Remembrance Day with red poppies projected onto the Sydney Opera House and the Last Post resonating over Sydney Harbour.
The official NSW Remembrance Day Service will commence at 10:30am at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris joining members of the veteran and defence community. The event is open to the public with viewing areas accessible from George Street and Pitt Street.
Local memorials will also honour the service and sacrifice of servicemen and servicewomen from New South Wales and across our nation with local Remembrance Day services taking place around the state.
It was 107 years ago that the Armistice was signed, bringing an end to fighting in the First World War. Over 416,000 Australians enlisted for service during the Great War, from a population of only four million. Many more defence personnel have fought in conflicts and peacekeeping operations since.
This year we will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a number of World War Two veterans set to attend the NSW Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph including Mrs Grace Wood who enlisted in the Australian Women's Land Army in February 1943, at the age of 19.
For more than a century, red poppies have been used as a symbol of community respect and recognition. Poppies have been projected onto the Opera House since 2014 and will light up the sails once again at 8pm tonight.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"Today on Remembrance Day, we pause to honour and acknowledge the brave Australians who have served and sacrificed in defence of our freedoms.
"Over 100 years ago our diggers formed the Anzac spirit. We continue to reflect on the immense courage, endurance, and unity shown by those who fought across land, sea, and air, and by those who supported the war effort at home.
"Their sacrifices helped to secure peace and shape the world we live in today.
"Lest we forget."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"As we remember all who have served, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the veterans who have returned home forever changed, we recognise the lasting legacy of their service and the freedoms they have preserved.
"Today we wear poppies and observe a minute of silence, and we express our deepest gratitude to all veterans, their families and current serving members of the defence force.
"I encourage everyone to observe the minute of silence at 11am to honour their service and sacrifice."
RSL NSW Acting President Brigadier Vince Williams, CSC (Retd.) said:
"Remembrance Day is one of the most solemn days on our national calendar. I call on all Australians to 'Remember to Remember' at 11am today - and to pause and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and those who never came home.
"The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made clear the toll that military service continues to take on the health and wellbeing of current and former serving Defence personnel and their families. By wearing a poppy, or donating to the RSL Poppy Appeal, we acknowledge that sacrifice and help provide the support services veterans and their families deserve."
Second World War veteran Grace Wood said:
"I was 19 when I enlisted, because one of my brothers was pulled out of the Army because he got asthma and my other brother went overseas in the Air Force, where he was shot down over Germany.
"All my friends had joined the Army and had gone away, and I thought I could help. There were so many women in the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy, but I thought I could do better by feeding either the soldiers or the country at the time.
"When I heard the war was over, I felt excited to think it's the end of the war. Thank goodness no more boys will be killed. So many people were rushing around town to just scream and be happy, which was great. But my brother was killed, so it was a bit of a mixed feeling for me, glad the war was over, but then you think, what sacrifices they've given."
