Remembrance Day falls on 11th November each year.
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.
In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11th November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in the Great War. The day continues to be commemorated in allied countries.
After World War Two, the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom’s proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.
On every Remembrance Day, the National Rifle Association of Australia (NRAA) club members are encouraged to dedicate time to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all conflicts for the security and freedoms Australians enjoy today.
What is not widely known is the role played, after war was declared in 1914, by many members of the rifle clubs across Australia at the time. Australian rifle shooters willingly and in large numbers answered the ‘call to arms’ eagerly volunteering to do their duty and were thereby actively involved in ‘defining our great nation’. In the early 1900s many Australian country towns had rifle clubs and these clubs were an integral part of the social fabric of these small communities. The consequences of the Great War were enormous and many of our small towns were inflicted with the persistent pain of losing much loved members of their communities.
Remembrance Day enables all of us to reflect upon the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of our past and present Defence Force members which includes the 28,000 rifle club members who enlisted and fought during the Great War, some of who lie buried in far off lands.
On Friday 11th November 2022, we paused to remember at home, at work and at local services conducted at our Nation’s Memorials.
Before Remembrance Day 2022 becomes a distant memory, I commend this video to all as it records our Australian men at war fighting for our freedoms that we enjoy today. This video has been produced by Hans-Joachim SAHARIV who said:
I offer this video for your perusal and pray it brings back memories which were shared as we grew up when men of stamina and bravery who fought in the first war were still about to speak of their exploits.
Alas, time has moved on, and we must now rely on small productions like this to remind us of those times gone by.
In the not-too-distant future, someone may (will) make a video of exploits of our experiences in war and conflicts dedicated to our own stoicism and deeds following in those footsteps of those who came before us.
I dedicate this video to ALL those millions who served (were killed or maimed) their nations in times of conflict whether led by corrupt megalomaniacs or those that opposed them.
It’s recommended the use of a full screen will give the best viewing.
Lest We Forget
