Tasmanians gathered at services across the state today to mark Remembrance Day, with hundreds attending Hobart’s Cenotaph as the nation paused for a minute’s silence at 11am.
RSL Tasmania said more than 200 people attended the Hobart service, including Governor Caroline Wells, veterans, serving personnel and members of the community.
Dozens of wreaths were laid, while Year 9 student Angus Gunn from The Friends’ School read John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
The Australian Army Band performed during the service, which also featured a flyover by a King Air aircraft from No. 32 Squadron, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.
Hobart Lord Mayor Charles Wooley described it as “A Remembrance Day to remember”.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Gavin Pearce said Remembrance Day held deep personal significance for many Tasmanians.
“More than 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel live in Tasmania today, with countless families sharing deep personal links to our proud Anzac legacy,” he said.
“Today, I want to encourage every Tasmanian to take a moment – whether that’s at a service, by wearing a poppy or pausing for a minute’s silence at 11am.”
The minute’s silence marks the time the guns fell silent on the Western Front at 11am on November 11, 1918.
Pearce said World War I cost more than 16 million lives worldwide, including 3,000 Tasmanian volunteers.
“We honour them today and remember their legacy that has allowed us to live in the modern Australia we hold so dear,” he said.
Acting Premier Guy Barnett said Tasmania’s military heritage and ongoing service were “part of who we are”.
“The enormous legacy of the generations of Tasmanians who have bravely served in our armed forces overseas in conflicts and peace keeping missions is something we all must honour – today, we remember them,” he said.
RSL Tasmania thanked its sub-branches and volunteers for organising commemorations in communities around the state.
