Remembrance Day marked in Hobart
More than a century after the guns fell silent on the “war to end all wars” — humanity remains blighted by the misery of armed conflict, Hobart’s Remembrance Day service has heard.
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More than a century after the guns fell silent on the “war to end all wars” — humanity remains blighted by the misery of armed conflict, Hobart’s Remembrance Day service has heard.
Several hundred people turned out in fine but windy conditions at Hobart’s Cenotaph for the 106th commemoration of the armistice which ended World War 1.
Federal, state and local government representatives laid wreaths, joined by veterans and their families, the RSL and members of the military and emergency services, while the Australian Army Band Tasmania played.
The Last Post was sounded, the National Anthem was sung, and there was a flyover by a PC21 from the RAAF’s Central Flying School.
In her address, Governor Barbara Baker observed it was through that terrible war of 1914-18 would be the last, but another global conflict soon followed — and continue to this day.
“As we gather here in commemoration, we may also acknowledge significant conflicts worldwide: the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Sudan and others are continuing sources of misery for all involved, including innocent civilians.
“These conflicts are a stark reminder of the ongoing costs of war and its devastating impact on individuals, families and entire communities.
“We hope and pray for an end to these conflicts and others that are less reported.”
Governor Baker said Remembrance Day was a day to remember those who had died — and those who had served.
“We acknowledge their courage and the courage of those currently serving in dangerous regions, navigating the challenges and uncertainties of conflict,” she said.
“We acknowledge the ongoing burdens carried by their families and by our veterans, many of those who return to conflict their visible and invisible scars, we must continue to do all we can to ensure they receive the care, support and respect they deserve.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Jacquie Petrusma said Tasmania was home to more than 17,500 veterans and ex-service personnel.
“At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent on the Western Front, ending four years of devastating warfare,” Minister Petrusma said.
“World War I claimed more than 16 million lives from around the globe, including over 60,200 Australians.
“More than 15,000 Tasmanians enlisted to serve their nation in World War I — a staggering one in five men.
The Mercury edition of November 19, 1918 records news of the Armistice reaching Hobart at 8.30pm the evening before.
It noted the firing of the battery of guns on the Domain and the crowd outside the newspaper office singing patriotic songs into the evening.
A public holiday was declared and a grand procession and thanksgiving services were held to mark the official announcement of Germany’s unconditional surrender.
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