Victorians can honour and remember the brave Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations on Remembrance Day.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman this morning attended the annual Remembrance Day service at the Shrine of Remembrance, paying their respects and remembering those who served.
The sacred site is now more accessible than ever with building and safety upgrades completed with an investment of almost $6 million by the Allan Labor Government.
Restoration works have been carried out on the heritage-listed Shrine monument stairs and four exterior light towers, along with new ramp access between the upper and lower forecourts and security enhancements.
Many Victorians joined in observing a minute’s silence at 11am today wherever they were – a tradition that marks the end of the First World War, when guns fell silent on the Western Front on 11 November 1918.
Veterans, war widows and current defence members can today travel for free on public transport across Victoria by showing their Veterans Card – Victoria, wearing a uniform or service medals, showing a returned from active service or war widows’ badge, or presenting a DVA gold or white card.
Free public transport is also open to school students, Scouts, Guides, Australian Defence Force Cadets and band members in uniform traveling to commemoration events.
In the lead up to today the Shrine has delivered 11 Days of Remembrance, a program of special opportunities for Victorians to honour the service and sacrifice of the veteran community.
The Shrine is also marking its 90th anniversary this year, including a concert held yesterday in its forecourt.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“Today is an important day to reflect on the extraordinary contribution all of those who have served have made to our state and nation – we will always remember their bravery and sacrifice.”
As stated by Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
“Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honour the service, courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world.”
As stated by Shrine of Remembrance CEO Dean Lee
“As we mark Remembrance Day and 90 years of the Shrine honouring Australian service and sacrifice, these improvements will help us continue to serve as a place of peaceful reflection for generations to come.”
