Northern Territory commemorates Remembrance Day 2024
Schools, shopping centres and workplaces came to a standstill this morning as Territorians remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
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Schools, shopping centres and workplaces came to a standstill Monday morning as Territorians remembered those who sacrificed in the line of duty.
Marking November 11, 1918 – the end of WWI – Remembrance Day is commemorated by communities across commonwealth member states that pause to reflect on the conflict which claimed millions of lives.
At Bicentennial Park, more than 200 people paid their respects at the Darwin Cenotaph.
Braving the sweltering heat, a catafalque party led the service, with speakers paying tribute to the hundreds-of-thousands who have put on the uniform.
A minute of silence was observed before wreaths were laid at the base of the monument.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling said memories of his grandfather crossed his mind.
“He fought in the Somme in the First World War, he remembered when the Armistice was called before he then immigrated to Australia from Scotland,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him surviving that war – he always lived with the shell shock.”
Opposition leader Selena Uibo said she appreciated the “deeply moving” event.
“Even though it’s a very hot day in Darwin, to see so many people commemorate a very special part of history is wonderful,” she said.
“You don’t know where you’re going to in the future unless you know where you’ve come from, so honouring the history that we have with our armed forces is really important.”
Dozens of veterans and serving members could be seen mingling after the event, relating their stories and enjoying some quiet conversation.
Members of motorcycle group Veterans MC could also be seen embracing friends.
Other dignitaries in attendance included NT Administrator Hugh Heggie and Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, with a large number of senior commanders – both Australian and foreign – also present.
Darwin Cenotaph was not the only monument crowded, with locals in Palmerston gathering at Memorial Park for the solemn occasion.
In a statement online, Katherine Town Council also thanked its local community for enduring the “scorching heat”.
“A shout out to our RAAF Tindal personnel who stood to attention throughout the ceremony in 40C heat,” the statement read.
“Thank you all for attending! Lest We Forget.”
Further south in Alice Springs, Centralians took to the iconic ANZAC Hill.
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