Remembrance Day: 11 November
At 5am on 11 November 1918, the armistice ending World War One was signed by three German Government representatives and a French allied commander. The ceasefire came into effect at 11am and in the years immediately following the end of the war, allied nations remembered their war dead at commemorative ceremonies held at 11am.
Following the end of World War Two, the Australian Government changed the name of Armistice Day to Remembrance Day as the day became an occasion for remembering all wars and not just World War One. At 11am, one minute’s silence is held to remember the sacrifice of all who died or suffered in wars and armed conflicts. Ceremonies are held at war memorials and schools across Australia; whilst many workplaces and schools observe a minute’s silence.
The central Victorian Remembrance Day service occurs at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, while various other services are held throughout Victoria at schools and local community war memorials.
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