Remembrance Day services honour fallen
FAR Northern residents will today stop to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for their country.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Alan Griffin has encouraged Australians to continue the important tradition of marking Remembrance Day by pausing for one minute's silence at 11am.
"On 11 November every year, at Remembrance Day services across the country and overseas, we pay tribute to more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peace operations” Mr Griffin said.
"This year is especially significant because it marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.
"In 2009 we also said farewell to our last living link to the First World War, John ‘Jack’ Ross, and the last Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War, Edward ‘Ted’ Kenna.
"We also marked the 10th anniversary of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) operation – restoring peace for the people of East Timor."
At 11am on November 11, 1918, fighting ceased on the Western Front, ending more than four years of bloodshed.
More than 61,000 Australians died in World War I – on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, in the Middle East, at sea and in the skies above the battlefields.
A memorial service will begin in Cairns at 10.40am. Services will also be held at Atherton, Mareeba, Innisfail, Mossman and Weipa.
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