Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, has commemorated her first Remembrance Day since stepping into the role in July 2024.
In her Commemorative Address at the Australian War Memorial on 11 November, Ms Mostyn said she was proud to be the daughter of an army officer.
She also looked back at the first Remembrance Day, held in 1919, and those that have followed through to the present day.
“For more than a century, Australians have repeated this ritual of remembrance, just as you do, gathering today,” Ms Mostyn said.
She said that Remembrance Day was born from all the days of commemoration that had come and gone before.
“As each of us brings something of ourselves to the work of commemoration, our ritual is layered overtime with the hearts and minds of those before, remembering and giving thanks,” Ms Mostyn said.
“These are not just acts of commemoration, but of care, kindness and respect.”
Ms Mostyn, alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, chairman of the Australian War Memorial Kim Beazley, and members of the Returned and Services League of Australia, among others laid a wreath.
Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18).
Each year on the 11th of November, Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts, in appreciation of their sacrifice.
Australia’s Federation Guard and the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon were also part of the day, as well as Canberra schoolchildren.
The didgeridoo was also played with the permission of the traditional custodians to pay respect to those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have taken part in the defence of Australia, which is part of a long and ongoing tradition of defending Country.
The Ode was read out by Major General Greg Melick AO, the National President of the RSL Australia.
The musical performance of In Flanders Fields was performed by the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
The ceremony was followed by a media conference to announce the latest recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia (VC), the late former ACT police officer and Vietnam War veteran Richard Norden.
Lest we Forget.
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