Memorial announces Remembrance Day program 2018

In October and November 2018 the Australian War Memorial will deliver a moving program of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the Armistice that ended the First World War.

Representing the culmination of four years of commemorative activity, the program beginning 5 October will give visitors the opportunity to understand the significance of the Armistice in 1918 and the overall impact of the Great War.

The centrepiece will be the placement of 62,000 handcrafted poppies in the Sculpture Garden on the Memorial’s western grounds, representing those Australians killed while serving in the First World War. The immersive display is the final phase of the 5000 Poppies Project, which has created a number of memorable commemorative exhibits since 2013, both in Australia and overseas, in partnership with Australia's premier landscape designer Phillip Johnson.

Creative Director of the 5000 Poppies Project Lynn Berry said this will be the culmination of the work of many thousands of people from around the world, and a fitting finale to this wonderful community tribute.

“Our crafters are so excited to contribute to our final display here at the Australian War Memorial. It is a fantastic way to finish what has been a labour of love, and what will be an unforgettable tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War,” Ms Berry said.

The poppies will be complemented by a moving musical program assembled by Memorial artist in residence Chris Latham, and evening lighting in the Memorial grounds, including a beam of light from the Memorial’s parapet to Australian Parliament House. This will be extended through a digital display exploring the stories and wartime connections of the poppy-knitters and members of the Australian public. Names from the Roll of Honour will continue to be projected onto the façade below the dome of the Hall of Memory, and the Commemorative Area, where visitors can hear the names and ages of those listed on the Roll of Honour as read by Australian primary school students, will be open to the public on selected nights throughout this period.

In addition, the Memorial will launch a special exhibition on the aftermath of the First World War, looking at the impact of the conflict and subsequent wars on the men and women who served, on their families and loved ones, and on Australian society.

The special commemorative program will close with the National Ceremony on Remembrance Day, Sunday 11 November and the Last Post Ceremony that evening, featuring the eulogy of the Unknown Australian Soldier on the 25th anniversary of its first recitation by then Prime Minister Paul Keating.

The Australian War Memorial is also pleased to announce a partnership with VisitCanberra, which is providing $150,000, matching funding from the ACT Government’s Major Event Fund. The funding was secured through a competitive grant process, and will help deliver communications and marketing activity to promote the five-week commemorative program and 11 November ceremonies.

Memorial Director, Brendan Nelson congratulated the ACT Government on its support for what will be a stunning programme to pay tribute to one of our nation’s defining events.

“This significant financial support from the ACT government will facilitate delivery of a commemorative event that will do proud justice to the 62,000 young Australians killed and who died during the First World War,” Dr Nelson said.

“The Memorial will lead the nation’s national commemorations of the end of the cataclysm which inflicted deep wounds on our young nation. We emerged victorious but inconsolably mourning our dead, with a greater belief in ourselves and a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian.

"Here in the heart of the land they loved, we will honour and remember so much that was given to build our nation’s story.”

Acting Director of VisitCanberra Mr Jonathan Kobus commended the thoughtful approach to what will be a solemn and significant occasion for all Australians, led by activities in the nation’s capital.

“Canberra will be a focal point of national remembrance in late 2018, and I look forward to a successful commemoration by the Australian War Memorial, one that can be shared by locals and visitors alike,” Mr Kobus said.

Further details of the commemorative program are available on the Memorial’s website: www.awm.gov.au.