Eighty-eight years after the end of World War I, Victoria's major Remembrance Day commemorative service attracted several hundred people, including a number of children to honour all who have died and suffered in the defence of our nation, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today. The Victorian Returned and Services League (RSL) State Remembrance Commemoration Service is held each year on the Sunday preceding Remembrance Day to strengthen the meaning of remembrance of our war dead.

The service is a significant event in the lead up to Remembrance Day on 11 November and this year's key-note speaker was Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy. "Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honour the memory of more than 102,000 Australians who have died in the service of Australia," Mr Billson said. "To see so many young people joining with the RSL to honour our veterans is particularly rewarding for those of us committed to ensuring their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

This year marks the ninetieth anniversary of the major battles involving Australians on the Western Front and 88 years since the signing of the Armistice that ended the hostilities. It is also 40 years since the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant Australian engagements during the Vietnam War. "On Remembrance Day, we not only think of those who have served in years past, but also those who continue to serve in Australian forces across the world," Mr Billson said.

"Many Australian servicemen and women are currently abroad facing danger and hardship and we offer them our thoughts and best wishes for a safe return home." Australians have been involved in conflicts ranging from colonial wars to World War I and II, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War and in more recent conflicts, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as peacekeeping operations around the world.