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November 11, 2026
On this day, over a century ago, the guns fell silent across Europe after four years of immense loss.
Today our nation again pauses in silence to remember those who died in what became known as the First World War, and in all the wars since.
This is a solemn tradition we share with many countries.
At the outbreak of war in 1914, Australia was a nation of just under five million people. Despite this, we refused to shrink from our obligation to stand with our allies and friends. More than 416,800 Australians volunteered to serve, nearly 40% of all men aged 18 to 44. Over 60,000 were killed, and a further 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
Since the Armistice of 11 November 1918, generations of Australians have continued to serve throughout more than a century of wars and conflicts, and as peacekeepers, wearing our nation’s uniform with honour, courage, and pride.
On Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice across all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
The freedoms, institutions, and way of life we enjoy today were secured at an immense price. As we face an increasingly dangerous world again today, we must remember their sacrifice and bravery, commit ourselves to be worthy of that sacrifice.
As we observe one minute of silence today, we do so with gratitude and with a quiet resolve to safeguard the liberties our fellow Australians have died to secure.
May the deeds and sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women never be forgotten.
Lest we forget.
ENDS