Generations connected as millions mark Remembrance Day
Ex-commando Allan Miles never met his father, a World War I veteran who died months before his birth.
But the OAM recipient believes everyone who enlists in the Australian Defense Force is connected to previous generations.
“He has connections with everyone who has served before,” he told AAP.
“We turn to the young men who served in Korea and then Malaya, who became our instructors to men like me who served in the 60s and 70s, the main period of conflict in Vietnam.
“You can’t help but be aware of the service of these men and women… they are just wonderful people.”
Australia will take a break at 11am on Tuesday to mark the 107th anniversary of the armistice that ended hostilities in the First World War.
Memorial Day has since been used to honor people who died in wars.
The year 2025 will also mark 80 years since the Second World War ended in 1945.
Ceremonies will be held at monuments across the country.
Mr Miles, who is head of Operation Pilgrimage, an organization of former commandos, called on younger generations to understand the importance of the service and sacrifice commemorated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend a national ceremony to mark the commemoration at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“We remember every young Australian who was denied the chance to grow old, and every Australian who returned home but did not completely abandon the war,” he said in a statement.
“We remember every future that was lost and every future that was changed forever.
“This is the essence of our promise from one generation to the next.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and opposition veterans affairs spokesman Darren Chester will also attend the national ceremony at the war commemoration.
In a joint statement, they encouraged Australians to visit local services or stand in silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This is a small gesture, but an extremely meaningful one,” they said.
“At that moment, we are together as a nation with gratitude and respect.
“We will remember them”
Australia’s Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national news channel and has been providing accurate, reliable and fast-paced news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We inform Australia.
