Remembrance Day 2019 in Australia

Is Remembrance Day a Public Holiday?

Remembrance Day in Australia is not a public holiday, and a normal working day is ensued on this occasion. This means that business organizations, government offices, broadcasting systems, schools, colleges, universities etc. remain fully operational, and function during normal working hours.

However, Australian natives observe a two-minute silence in unison around 11 AM through the programme Read 2 Remember and take the Pledge of Remembrance by reading the same text. After observing the oath, the normal working schedule is resumed.

Remembrance Day History

Remembrance Day history holds relevant significance and commemorates the beginning of its observance. According to the Cultural and Recreation portal of the Government of Australia, the Remembrance Day solemnized the end of World War I along with the dreadful hostilities. Originally known as Armistice Day, the Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day and during the eleventh month, i.e. November 11, 1918.

It is believed that the very next year, i.e. in 1919, when the anniversary of the Armistice Day occurred, one minute silence was observed as a part of the ceremony. It was after 1945 that the name of this event was changed from Armistice to Remembrance Day by the British and Australian Government.

Symbols of Australian Remembrance Day

One of the famous symbols for Australian Remembrance Day is Red Poppy flowers. One can witness people adorning this flower or its artificial version on their clothes on the solemn day of Remembrance Day. This flower is said to represent the martyrs who gave their lives during the war for their country’s liberation.

It is believed that the Poppy flowers were rich in terms of their color since the grounds on which they blossomed were drenched with the blood of soldiers. Rosemary sprigs are worn on this day as well by veterans, that mark the memory of the departed ones. Australians also recite the ode from the poem ”For the Fallen”, which is written by Laurence Binyon, an English poet.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We shall remember them.”

Remembrance Day in Australia Celebrations

Remembrance Day celebrations consist of one or two minute silence honoring the dead soldiers who gave up their lives for the country during World War I, also known as the Great War. This event takes place exactly around 11 AM local time on November 11. Therefore, teachers, politicians, public sector employees, government employees, students, soldiers and veterans join in unison and become a part of this tradition. People, including common natives, political figures, war veterans, celebrities and soldiers adorn poppies (natural or artificial) and Rosemary sprigs on their clothes. Speeches are given by political figures, and memorial services are held at 11 AM across the country with “Last Post” playing in the background by a bugler.

Remembrance Day Observances

FAQs

Remembrance Day Celebrations in Other Countries

• Remembrance Day in Canada


• Remembrance Sunday in the UK

We hope that the article on Remembrance Day 2019 in Australia serves the purpose and gives accurate information about the solemnized day. We wish you all the best!