On Sunday, 11 November 2018, Australia will mark a significant milestone in its military history, commemorating the centenary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War.
100 years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent and the most destructive war the modern world had seen was all but over.
From a population of around 4.5 million, some 416,000 enlisted for service in the Great War, of whom more than 60,000 would never return. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said this affected every community, large and small, in what was a very young nation.
Gold Coast MP Karen Andrews said “the Gold Coast has a large veteran’s community, and I would like to encourage you all to participate in your local commemorative service on 11 November and observe a minute’s silence at 11am to remember and pay respect to the Australian men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations”.
“Over the course of our history, almost two million men and women have worn with pride the uniforms of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. Tragically, more than 102,000 names are today listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour and it is important we remember their service and sacrifice” Mrs Andrews said.
“It is also incredibly important to instil an ongoing sense of remembrance and respect in future generations of Australians so our Defence Force personnel know their sacrifices are honoured, now and into the future.”
In this final year of the Anzac Centenary, it is important to pay tribute to those who served in the First World War and all who have served and died for Australia, as well as those who returned home, many with broken limbs, minds and spirits, and the men and women who continue to serve.
To commemorate the signing of the Armistice at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, local services in the McPherson electorate are being held at the Currumbin RSL Memorial Gardens, commencing at 9.30 am and the Burleigh RSL Sub-Branch, commencing at 10:30 am.
