Joint Statement - We Remember Them

When people think of those who pull on a uniform bearing Australia’s flag, they often think of those heading into war or conflict. 

But there are also those who have done, and continue to do so, to maintain peace. 

November 11 is the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War in 1918. 

In the years since, 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.

In September, we commemorated the 25^th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. 

Around 5,500 Australian service personnel were initially deployed there as part of the International Force East Timor, the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam War. We pay tribute to the six Australians who tragically lost their lives as a result of their service in Timor-Leste. 

Today, Australian Defence Force personnel continue to support peacekeeping efforts across the globe – part of the more than 2,500 members currently deployed on operations.

This year also marks the 10^th anniversary of the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, honouring all who served in Afghanistan as part of Australia's longest war. 

An estimated 39,000 Australian Defence Force personnel were deployed during more than a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan, including an estimated 26,000 deployed for Operation SLIPPER. We remember the 41 members of our Defence Force who were killed in Afghanistan and we acknowledge those who returned with injury, both seen and unseen. 

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.