Compiled by Archbishop Dr. Peter McInnes, AICA Primate, RSL Chaplain, www.aicaustralia.com

Today we gather to celebrate Remembrance Day, the fallen in the war against Germany 1914 – 1918. The war to end all wars, haven’t we failed those gone before us! The statistics of that war are 8 million dead and over 8 million wounded.

When Archduke Franz-Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo on 8 June 1914 it began a chain of events that resulted in war being declared by Germany on Russia, Belgium, France and Britain on 1 August 1914. On 4 August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany officially and the ‘call to arms’ went out to her Allies of which Australia was one who played a major role.

We sacrificed 240,000 of our young men and many more wounded. When you stop to consider the population of only 3.5 million in Australia at that time, it shows the calibre of loyalty, bravery and courage that was displayed at both Gallipoli and in France, at that critical time in both European and Australian history.

From 10 September 1914, when Germany set up a defence line from the Ocean and along the Meuse Mountains and Hills, the war swayed back and forth along that line until the conflict came to an end. New technology such as aircraft, tanks and the use of gas brought to this conflict a new and frightening way battles would be fought, even to this very day.

If you read historical books on this subject, the issues that shine brightly are the ‘mateship’ and humour that were displayed every time the uniform was donned. That is as true today as back then. Those two factors alone have saved many Australian lives in every war we have fought.

Today we come together to remember Armistice Day when an end came to that terrible conflict throughout Europe, a day each year when a red poppy is worn as a symbol of the blood that flowed. We wear it with pride, with reverence, and with a hope in our hearts. That the people of this Nation will never forget those young men, whom gave their all, because duty called and the job had to be done. They did it with courage and honour. Today we remember their sacrifice for our freedom, that we too often take for granted!

Prayer

Father God, we come together this day, to look back with pride on a group of young men and women, who left our shores with good hearts, and a desire to stop those who were our enemy at that time. They rest peacefully with You because they did their duty, without fear or favour, with courage and honour, and our admiration. We Will Remember Them. Amen.