On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September. By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000 casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead.
In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.
Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
Although Remembrance Day is different this year, the Australian War Memorial’s website includes different ways to help us commemorate wherever we are – at home, school or work.
Traditionally on Remembrance Day the Australian War Memorial hosts the nation’s key commemoration. The ceremony includes a formal wreathlaying and the observance of a minutes silence at 11am. The ceremony includes the participation and support on parade of Australia’s Federation Guard and the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
On 11 November 2020, in light of the restrictions resulting from the pandemic, the format of the ceremony was altered to ensure it complied with COVID-safe rules. The Australian War Memorial held a Remembrance Day commemorative ceremony attended by a limited number of invited guests; and broadcast live nationally across Australia by the ABC and made available afterwards on ABC iView.
The Commemorative address was delivered by Corporal Daniel Keighran VC.
Information regarding the 2021 Remembrance Day National Ceremony will be available on this website leading up to the ceremony.
For further enquiries please email: ceremony@awm.gov.au or call 02 6206 9813
Watch the National Commemorative Service recorded live from the Australian War Memorial on ABC iView.
The National Ceremony commenced at 10.45 am with the arrival of the Guard provided by Australia’s Federation Guard.
Following this the sounding of the Digeridoo, provided by Leading Aircraftman Tarryn Roach, a Worimi man of RAAF Base Williamtown, was provided to welcome guests before a minute silence was observed at 11am. The Remembrance Day Commemorative Address was given by Corporal Daniel Keighran VC.
Each day the story of one of the fallen servicemen or women listed on the Roll of Honour is told at the Last Post Ceremony. Tickets to attend the Last Post Ceremony can be found via the following link www.awm.gov.au/visit, alternatively this will be broadcast live via webcam on the Memorial’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Traditionally on the 11th of November, the eulogy for the Unknown Australian Soldier is read. Remembrance Day 2020 will be the 27th anniversary since it was first delivered by then Prime Minister the Honourable Paul Keating.
An unidentified cinematographer capturing the last shots to be fired before the armistice on 11 November 1918. Note the line of bare trees under which the guns are placed.
Sydney, NSW. 1918-11-11. Crowd in Martin Place celebrating the news of the signing of the armistice. This date was celebrated in later years as Remembrance Day
Cambrai, France. 11 November 1918. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, centre front, with British Army commanders on Armistice Day. (Donor Imperial War Museum Q9690)
A crowd gathers as the 18th Battalion band plays in the Vignacourt town square on Armistice Day.
Watch the video of the 2019 Remembrance Day ceremony below.
At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.
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Commemorative ceremonies, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day share many customs and traditions. Explore the origins and significance of these.
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The Flanders poppy has long been a part of Remembrance Day, the ritual that marks the Armistice of 11 November 1918, and is also increasingly being used as part of Anzac Day observances.
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