As we approach Remembrance Day on 11 November, Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace has encouraged Sunshine Coast locals to pause during this difficult year to remember the sacrifice of our fallen service men and women and share their experience with others.
Mr Wallace said that pausing in silent reflection and remembrance at 11am on 11 November is an important tradition which Australians have observed for more than a hundred years.
“It is more important than ever during this difficult year to join together and remember the things that unite us as a nation, and the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. On 11 November we stand with our service personnel and our veterans to remember all of those who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping, helping to keep Australia safe” Mr Wallace said.
Tragically, over a century of service in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations, more than 102,000 Australian men and women have now made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Although this commemoration was originally known as Armistice Day and remembered the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front, it has grown with our community. This year we commemorate not only the ANZACs of the First World War, but the 39,000 Australians who gave their lives during the Second World War and all those who have fallen since.” he said.
Mr Wallace encouraged Sunshine Coast locals to wear a red poppy this year to show that our fallen defence personnel will never be forgotten.
“It is incredibly important that we uphold this tradition, not only by wearing red poppies, but also by observing a minute’s silence at 11am. Whether you attend one of the ceremonies taking place around our region or simply stop for a moment at work, I urge everyone on the Sunshine Coast to continue this tradition of remembrance and respect for our fallen defence personnel, now and into the future,” he said.
“If you feel able I would also encourage Sunshine Coast locals to share their personal commemorations on social media with the hashtag #RemembranceDay, to help show our region’s serving men and women, past and present, that we value their service.”
Along with the red poppy, the veteran community are encouraged to wear their Veteran Lapel Pin or Reservist Lapel Pin, provided as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, as a way to readily identify service to our nation through the defence force.
“Remembrance Day can be a difficult and emotional time for some of our veterans and their families. If you are a local veteran and you find yourself needing extra support on the day, please reach out to
Open Arms, the Veterans & Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.” he said.
For more information about Remembrance Day, visit https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/
