11 November 2020 marks Remembrance Day when we recognise the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australian men and women who gave their lives in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this solemn occasion marks the day the guns fell silent on the Western Front during the First World War, before becoming known as Remembrance Day following the Second World War.

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, has encouraged local people to stop and observe a minute’s silence at 11:00am today – at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – to commemorate our fallen service men and women.

“Our veterans are so important to us on the South Coast and I know days like today hold strong meaning for many local people,” Fiona Phillips said.

“We must never forget the sacrifices that so many have made for our freedom, so today, I will be stopping to mark that minute’s silence.”

“I say it often, but I want to again sincerely thank all of our serving defence personnel, all our local veterans, and their families for the sacrifices they have made for us – today and every day,” Fiona Phillips noted. 

Like so many events this year, many local commemorative services will be scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Australian War Memorial will hold a Remembrance Day National Ceremony today from 10:45am, which with Parliament sitting, Fiona Phillips will attend and will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC, and available later on ABC iView.

This Remembrance Day, Australians are invited to wear a red poppy and share their personal commemorations on social media by using the hashtag #RemembranceDay.

More information on Remembrance Day is available on the Anzac Portal.

For any veterans and family members who may need support during this time, you can call Open Arms 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au to access free counselling and other services.

Lest We Forget.