New South Wales is marking Remembrance Day with commemorative services across the state, including a sunrise tribute at the Sydney Opera House and the official state service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Red poppies were projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House at sunrise on Wednesday, continuing a tradition that has taken place in NSW since 2014. The poppy display will return to the Opera House at 8pm tonight.
Sunrise Service at Sydney Opera House
NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris hosted the morning service, which included the sounding of the Last Post and the recitation of the Ode.
Queen Dunbar, President of the Families of Veterans Guild, recited the Ode as this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the War Widows Guild in NSW.
The official NSW Remembrance Day Service begins at 10:30am at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, with public viewing areas available from George Street and Pitt Street.
Australians are traditionally invited to observe a minute’s silence at 11am, marking the time the Armistice came into effect on 11 November 1918 and ended fighting on the Western Front during the First World War.
Afghanistan Veterans Recognised
This year’s NSW service also acknowledges 25 years since Australian personnel began serving in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan veteran Patrick Burley, who deployed with Mentoring Task Force Four as part of Combat Team Bravo, will recite the Ode at the Martin Place ceremony.
The anniversary provides an additional focus on those who served in Afghanistan, as well as their families and the broader veteran community.
More Than 416,000 Australians Enlisted in First World War
Remembrance Day originated from the Armistice of 11 November 1918.
More than 416,000 Australians enlisted during the First World War from a national population of fewer than five million. More than 60,000 Australians were killed during the conflict.
Since then, Australian Defence Force personnel have served in further wars, conflicts, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian operations.
The red poppy has become one of the most widely recognised symbols associated with remembrance and commemoration.
Services Held Across NSW
Local RSL branches, councils, schools and community organisations are also holding Remembrance Day ceremonies across NSW.
Services typically include the Last Post, the Ode of Remembrance, wreath laying and a minute’s silence at 11am.
The Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park is also holding a public commemorative service from 10:45am, followed by its Star Ceremony in the Hall of Memory.
Remembrance Day is observed each year on 11 November to commemorate Australians who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
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