Remembrance Day services are being held across the country as people pause to honour those who have died while serving in conflicts and peace-keeping operations. 

Today marks 106 years since the Armistice was signed to end World War I — a conflict that claimed the lives of 60,000 Australians.

The sombre ceremonies included a minute’s silence at 11am, marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the moment when guns fell silent across the Western Front and the war ended. 

In Canberra, the ceremony at the Australian War Memorial was attended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Force Chief Admiral David Johnston, and the memorial’s chairman, Kim Beazley.

In her first Remembrance Day address as Governor-General, Ms Mostyn spoke of being the daughter of an army officer and how a recent trip to the Western Front had had a profound impact on her and her husband.

She described the Australian Defence Force as a “modern force” upholding “the greatest of Australian values” and continuing the legacy of the service of generations past.

“Along with all Australians who commemorate, we should deeply acknowledge the commitment made by the women and men of today’s ADF to serve with integrity, courage and honour.

“In their dedication to duty, their pursuit of peace and their defence of Australia, they also embody the flame of remembrance.

“Today, across Australia, we now gather in solemn acts of remembrance, offering our own tributes to the fallen and the families, the veterans and all of those who know what it is to serve.

Ms Mostyn was the first to lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance, followed by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

The service has returned to its traditional location of the parade ground for the first time in four years.

It was held in other places around the memorial site in the intervening years as work continued on the memorial as part of its $500,000 expansion. 

“As a new chapter in the Australian War Memorial’s redevelopment dawns, this unyielding stone is restored to hallowed ground,” Ms Mostyn said.

“It is a symbol unaffected by change and transformation of the enduring tradition of respectful commemoration that is forever linked to this place and communities across our country.”

Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance marks 90 years 

Thousands of Victorians gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, where a smoking ceremony opened the service.

Under a clear Melbourne sky, the Royal Australian Air Force Band played while others watched on to remember those who had served and sacrificed their lives.

This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the shrine’s opening in 1934, when almost a third of Melbourne’s population gathered to witness the moment.

The shrine has been the home of commemoration and remembrance for the Victorian community for decades.

Dawn service by Sydney Harbour

A small service was held on the edge of Sydney Harbour as the sun came up this morning, with images of red poppies splashed across the sails of the Sydney Opera House. 

New South Wales RSL president Mick Bainbridge urged all Australians to reflect on the meaningful service of current and former Defence Force members. 

“For me, having lost mates overseas and more mates to suicide coming home, it is certainly a time for quiet reflection and to give thanks to them and their families, and to get around my mates and support them in our network and look after each other.”