Red poppies adorned the Sydney Opera House at sunrise & after 8pm on the 11th of November to mark Remembrance Day.
At sunrise, a special surprise was held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, hosted by the New South Wales (NSW) Veterans Minister, David Harris. The Returned Services League NSW President Mick Bainbridge recited the Ode before the Last Post rang out to remind everyone of Remembrance Day’s importance.
Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice signing hat brought an end to fighting in the 1st World War, which ceased hostilities 106 years ago. Over 416,000 Australians enlisted for service during the Great War, out of a population of only 4 million. Many more defence personnel have participated in peacekeeping operations & fought in conflicts since. For over 100 years, red poppies have been used as a symbol of community respect & recognition.
Poppies have been projected onto the Sydney Opera House for Remembrance Day annually since 2014 while the sunrise service has been an addition since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on those who bravely laid down their own lives to defend our country & preserve our way of life.
It is important to acknowledge those who continue to serve in our defence, at home and abroad. There is no higher public service than offering your own life to protect your country.
It is also crucial to recognise those who have lost a parent, child or family member in the defence of our country.
Australia’s free & democratic society is built upon the shoulders of these brave service personnel we are commemorating today.
Lest we forget.
Chris Minns, NSW Premier
Today we remember those who have given their lives and served their country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions & we also acknowledge the support of their families.
We wear poppies on Remembrance Day to serve as a reminder for people here & around the world, to take a moment & pause and remember our service men and women.
We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for helping to make Australia the prosperous & free country it is today.
David Harris, NSW Veterans Minister
This Remembrance Day, we not only honour & remember all those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and conflicts, we also continue to reflect on the ongoing impact of military service on our veterans & their families.
Following the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide, ex-service organisations now face 122 critical recommendations & RSL NSW will advocate for the implementation of these recommendations to support veterans across Australia.
We must turn remembrance into action, ensuring every veteran across all generations feels supported, heard & valued.
Mick Bainbridge, RSL NSW President
Sydney Spectaculars 