Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin encouraged Australians to continue the important tradition of marking Remembrance Day by pausing for one minute’s silence at 11am. “On 11 November every year, at Remembrance Day services across the country and overseas, we pay tribute to more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peace operations” Mr Griffin said.

“This year is especially significant because it marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War. In 2009 we also said farewell to our last living link to the First World War, John ‘Jack’ Ross, and the last Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War, Edward ‘Ted’ Kenna. We also marked the 10th anniversary of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) operation – restoring peace for the people of East Timor.”

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 fighting ceased on the Western Front, ending more than four years of bloodshed. More than 61,000 Australians died in the First World War – on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, in the Middle East, at sea and in the skies above the battlefields.

“I encourage Australians to buy a red poppy from the RSL and wear it at 11am today as we pause for one minute to honour all those lost,” Mr Griffin said. “As we remember the service personnel of yesterday it is also important to remember the many good men and women who have passed away since their service and those who still live with the physical and mental scars today.”

Australians have served in many conflicts, including the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War and more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as on peace operations since 1947.

“As we take the time on Remembrance Day to reflect on the contribution of past generations of servicemen and women, I ask that Australians also remember those currently serving Australia across the globe. Sadly, more Australian service personnel have lost their lives in recent years and it is important that we recognise their service and sacrifice and spare a thought for the families they leave behind,” Mr Griffin said.

Mr Griffin will be laying a wreath during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Sydney this morning.