Australians are encouraged to pause for one minute’s silence on Remembrance Day to remember the sacrifice of those who have fought for peace, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today. “I encourage Australians, wherever they may be at 11am on 11 November, to pause to remember the men and women who have died fighting to protect our freedom and way of life. Eighty-nine years ago this Sunday the guns of the Western Front fell silent, ending the most costly conflict in history to that time. As the guns went silent, people from many nations paused to remember those who would not return from The Great War,” Mr Billson said.

“Eighty-nine years after the armistice, Remembrance Day continues to be a time to remember and honour the sacrifice of more than 100,000 Australians who have died in wars and conflicts. During World War I more than 330,000 Australians saw overseas service and more than 61,000 lost their lives. Although more Australians would serve in World War II, the number of Australians killed in World War I is the highest of any conflict. Australians cemented their reputation as courageous and honourable soldiers in World War I, and generations of service personnel have followed in the traditions of our original Anzacs,” Mr Billson said.

“Australians have been involved in conflicts from the Boer War, including the two World Wars, 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 peace operations around the world since 1947. This Remembrance Day, I encourage all Australians to consider those members of the Australian Defence Force who are currently serving overseas, and in particular those who have lost their lives.”