Editorial: Remembrance Day is as important as ever

The origin of Remembrance Day must feel like it took place long ago to younger Australians.

November 11 was chosen to remember that at 11am on November 11, 1918, the guns fell silent on Europe’s Western Front after more than four years of bloody conflict in World War I.

The “war to end all wars” came to an end. Of course it was not the last war.

But the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance.

Now, on every November 11, Australians are urged to observe one minute’s silence at 11am to remember those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

The second great global conflict of that century began just 21 years later.

It is now more than 80 years since World War II drew to a close.

WWII brought six years of struggle, sacrifice, hardship and sorrow.

The Australian mainland came under direct attack. Towns were bombed. Bomb shelters were dug in school grounds. There were real fears that the nation could be invaded.

Almost a million Australians served in WWII in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as against Japan in south-east Asia and other parts of the Pacific.

More than 30,000 Australian servicemen were taken prisoner and more than 39,000 were killed.

It is for good reason that those who rose to the challenge of global war between 1939 and 1945 are known as “the greatest generation”.

After the war they got to work rebuilding the nation that we enjoy today.

The standard they set remains as relevant today as it was when they were in their prime.

But time is catching up with them.

On Wednesday their numbers at Remembrance Day services will reflect the decline of even the toughest.

According to Department of Veterans’ Affairs records, as at November 2 there were just 528 surviving Australian World War II veterans.

The sad reality is an extraordinary chapter is drawing to a close.

But our defence story continues to unfold.

And while much of the current focus revolves around inquiries, budgets and defence properties, Australians know the role of our defence forces goes so much deeper than that.

They have been, and remain, at the very core of our existence as a nation.

After WWII they wore the uniform in conflicts in places like Korea, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Those conflicts also took their toll on those who served and of course their families at home.

Sadly, many continue to struggle with the aftermath of their service.

We must ensure they find what ever help they need.

It remains important as ever to think of the future too.

The Returned & Services League reminds us the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

It is advice that we must take to heart.

It is heartening that among those who will attend Remembrance Day services will be our Allies, including from the US and Royal navies.

They are two of the cornerstones of the AUKUS defence alliance upon which we will rely as we face the uncertain days ahead.

Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by WAN Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore