AUSTRALIANS ENCOURAGED TO OBSERVE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Australians are encouraged to pause for one minute’s silence on Remembrance Day to remember the sacrifice of those who have fought for peace in our name, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today.

As the guns went silent on the battlefields of Europe, people across many nations paused to remember those who would not return from World War I.  Eighty eight years after the armistice, Remembrance Day continues to be an opportunity to remember and honour the sacrifice of more than 100,000 Australians who have died in wars and conflicts," Mr Billson said.

"The armistice to end World War I came into effect at 11am on 11 November 1918.  In that conflict, more than 330,000 Australians saw overseas service and more than 61,000 lost their lives.

"I encourage Australians, wherever they may be on 11th November, to pause at 11am to remember the men and women who have died fighting to protect our freedom and way of life.

"Although more Australians would go on to serve in World War II, the number of Australians killed in World War I remains the highest number killed in any conflict.

"Australians cemented their reputation as courageous and honourable soldiers in World War I, and generations of service personnel have followed in the traditions of our original Anzacs," Mr Billson said.

"Australians have been involved in conflicts from the Boer War, including the two World Wars, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War, and in more recent conflicts, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as peace operations around the world since 1947.

"This Remembrance Day, I encourage all Australians to consider those members of the Australian Defence Force who are currently serving overseas."

The Minister will be part of the official party at the Victorian Remembrance Day ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Saturday 11 November 2006, commencing at 10.30am.

For more information on how Remembrance Day will be commemorated around the nation, go to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, www.dva.gov.au.  The annual Poppy Appeal is one of the RSL's major activities to raise funds for its welfare endeavours and education programs. Poppies can be purchased through RSL Sub-branches.

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521