Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day at The Australian War Memorial

The FFFAIF was represented by a large group, of approximately, 40 members and guests at the Remembrance Day Service at the Australian War Memorial.

Officials and members of the public gathered in the brilliant Canberra sunshine to commemorate the 90^th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.

Photo: Federation Guard at commencement of service

The Commemorative Address was given by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. To view Mr Rudd’s speech click here  then select Video: Rudd calls for peace at Remembrance Day ceremony.

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries present including Professor Marie Bashir – the Governor General’s representative; the Prime Minister; the Leader of the Opposition; and the Chiefs of Navy, Army & Air Force.

Photo: Prime Minister laying wreath

Members of the Diplomatic Corps laid wreaths on behalf of the citizens of their countries.

Photo: Diplomatic Corps members laying wreaths

School children from all states of Australia place floral tributes on the Stone of Remembrance as part of the service.

Photo: School children place a single poppy on Stone of Remembrance.

At the completion of the service, members Heather Ford (Vic), Anny De Decker (Belgium) and Andrew Pittaway (WA) laid a wreath on behalf of the FFFAIF.

Photo: FFFAIF wreath laying at AWM.

Photo: Heather Ford, Anny De Decker and Andrew Pittaway.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.