The 11th of November 2021 marks Remembrance Day, when we honour the more than 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Since the end of the First World War, Australia has joined with other countries around the world for a minute’s silence at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember our fallen.

Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for many veterans and for families who have lost loved ones, and this year will be particularly challenging for those who served in Afghanistan and their families.

This Remembrance Day, especially, is an opportunity to recognise our defence personnel and veterans from recent conflicts, and the families that have supported them, and to let them know that they will never be forgotten.

While COVID-19 restrictions may limit how we are able to gather, Australians are encouraged to pause for a minute’s silence at 11am, whether at home, work or school, or at a service in your local community, to honour all those who have suffered and died defending our nation, values and freedoms.

You can buy a red poppy from the Returned Services League (RSL) to help fund its vital work in veterans’ welfare and advocacy, and wear it in support of our ex-service community.

A Remembrance Day National Ceremony will be held at the Australian War Memorial from 10.45am AEDT, and will be broadcast live on ABC television and radio, and online.

For any veterans and family members who may need support during this time, you can call Open Arms 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au to access free and confidential counselling and other services.

Lest We Forget.