Parliamentary Secretary for Defence - Silent homage for Australians lost at war

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester MP today attended the Remembrance Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to pause in silence and honour the brave Australians who have served in our name, for their country.

“It has been a privilege to be able to pay my respects at the nation’s War Memorial. At 11 am on 11 November we all observed one minute’s silence in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts, and reflect on the sacrifice of the 102,000 men and women whose names appear on the Roll of Honour,” Mr Chester said.

“Standing silent to honour those killed in war was originally proposed by Australian journalist Edward Honey, who was working in Fleet Street at the time of the first Armistice Day in 1919. As a former journalist and now representative of the Gippsland region of Victoria, Remembrance Day holds special meaning for me.

“In country towns across regional Australia, and in the cities where state memorials stand, we will pay our respects. The country connection between the bush and the Great War remains strong and alive as many of the returned Service personnel were granted land titles under the Soldier Settlement Scheme. Many of the sons and daughters who have fought in all our contributions to wars and conflicts have come from the bush.

“As we pause today to remember all who have served throughout our proud military history, I also encourage Australians to reflect on the approximately 3000 Australian Defence Force personnel who are currently serving on operations in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Egypt, South Sudan and on border protection duties to Australia's north.

“Like those who served before them, they too are drawn from across cities, towns and communities in all regions of Australia and we can be proud of their service.”

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999