Remembrance Day: Honouring Service, Sacrifice and Canberra's Defence Heritage

Remembrance Day: Honouring Service, Sacrifice and Canberra's Defence Heritage

Each year on 11 November, Australians pause at 11am to observe one minute's silence, remembering the servicemen and women who have served, sacrificed and lost their lives in wars.

Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. More than a century later, it remains an important opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication and resilience of those who have served our country, both past and present.

For Canberra, Remembrance Day holds a special significance. As Australia's national capital, the city is home to many members of the Australian Defence Force, veterans, defence industry workers and their families. Their contributions continue to play a vital role in protecting Australia's interests and supporting communities at home and abroad.

The Canberra Airport precinct also shares a unique connection to this history. Long before it became the modern gateway to the nation's capital, the site played an important role in Australia's military aviation story. In 1940, RAAF Station Canberra was officially established at the airfield, which later became known as Fairbairn. During the Second World War, the base supported anti-submarine patrols, training operations and allied air force units, contributing to Australia's wartime efforts.

For more than six decades, Fairbairn remained an important defence location, supporting military aviation, helicopter training and government air transport operations. While the airport has evolved significantly over the years, elements of this defence legacy remain part of the precinct today.

Remembrance Day is a chance to acknowledge the many people whose work supports Australia's defence capability beyond those in uniform. Defence personnel, veterans, reservists, public servants, contractors and industry partners all contribute to the important work of keeping Australia safe and secure.

As we wear a poppy and observe the minute's silence, we honour those who have served before us, recognise those who continue to serve today, and reflect on the freedoms their sacrifices have helped protect.

Lest We Forget.