Remembrance Day 2015
11th November, 2015
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, is encouraging Wide Bay residents to observe the traditional Remembrance Day one minute’s silence today. “Remembrance Day is held on the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War 1, and is traditionally the day on which we honour those who have lost their lives serving our nation in wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations,” Mr Truss said.
“This year we mark 100 years since the original Anzacs landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Turkish Dardanelles. One of our own, Maryborough’s Duncan Chapman, was the first on the beach that day, which before sunset, would claim 754 Australian and 147 New Zealand lives.
“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we particularly remember those 8,709 Anzacs who perished in dreadful fighting on battlefields like The Nek, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair over the course of the Gallipoli campaign. Many more of their surviving Gallipoli comrades, including Duncan Chapman, went on to lose their lives in conflicts along the Western front, in France, and in engagements in the Middle East.
“All Australians should take a moment to observe the traditional one minute’s silence on Remembrance Day, and reflect upon the sacrifice made by more than 102,000 Australians, who have died for our nation in wartime,” Mr Truss said.
“For the family and friends left behind, Remembrance Day is a day of sadness, reflection and remembrance for their loved ones who served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“During the minute’s silence we remember people of all nations who have lost their lives through war, and we honour those who have, and those who continue to serve in the defence of Australia.”
The Flanders poppy first became popular in Australia in 1921 to symbolise the end of World War I and the rebuilding of life. It was among the first plants that grew after the devastation on the battle fields in Northern France and Belgium.
“I urge all Australians to continue the spirit and tradition of Remembrance Day, by wearing a red Flanders poppy and pausing for one minute’s silence at 11am today.”
