Spreading hope for peace in the 21st century this Remembrance Day

For 88 years the Shrine of Remembrance has been the home of commemoration and remembrance for the Victorian community. It is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the cost of conflict, as well as a testament to the fortitude, courage and generosity of spirit of those who serve all of us. Every year on Remembrance Day we come together to pause, reflect and give remembrance for lives lost and forever changed. 

This year, in addition to the 11 November Victorian State Remembrance Day Service, Remembrance Day activities will include daily bespoke tours, a talk by author Paul Byrnes about his new book Sons of War, downloadable kids’ activities, a ‘Lest We Forget’ light installation and music performances. The Shrine will also be illuminated in ‘Red to Remember’ from 1 to 11 November.

Included in the Remembrance Day programming is reflection on the role of nurses on the frontline, both in war and peacekeeping operations. On Sunday 6 November, nurses’ contribution will be celebrated with a dedicated Last Post Service and a spoken word performance of ‘Dispatches from the frontline’ from the diaries of Sister Nan Reay, a nurse who served in the First World War.

On Wednesday 9 November, author Paul Byrnes will discuss his new book Sons of War which tells the story of underage Australian soldiers who fought in the Second World War.

From 1 to 11 November, 11am tours of the Shrine will conclude in the Sanctuary in time for a viewing of the Ray of Light, accompanied by a short music performance by RAAF Band musicians, and Shrine Guard in historic uniform. 

This year’s Remembrance Day service on 11 November will begin with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at 10:30am by Bunurong Elders. Her Excellency, the Governor of Victoria, The Honorable Linda Dessau AC will lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance and The Ode will be read before a minute’s silence is observed at 11am, when the iconic Ray of Light illuminates the Stone of Remembrance. The service will feature an RAAF flyover and the release of pigeons from the upper balcony will conclude the service.

Remembrance Day in 2022 presents a unique opportunity to reflect on peace in the 21st century, its fragility and the role the Shrine plays as a monument of cultural significance in fostering peace. 

The Shrine’s CEO, Dean Lee, says,

"The Shrine is a memorial to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our nation. Each name recorded within our walls reminds us of the cost of war. This Remembrance Day, we invite all Victorians to pause for one minute at 11am to reflect, remember and give thanks for the relative peace we enjoy, defended by veterans past and present".

This November, all Victorians are encouraged to continue the unbroken tradition of a minute’s silence to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians.

• Take a minute to pause, reflect and remember. Attend in-person at the Second World War Memorial Forecourt, or join the live stream via the Shrine’s website, Facebook or YouTube from 10:30am, Friday 11 November. 
• Commemorate with your family through these at-home activities for kids.
• Take a tour of the Shrine and learn about its history on one of the 11 days of remembrance in the lead up to this year’s Remembrance Day, tickets available here.
• Honour the ongoing contribution of nurses on the frontline on Sunday 6 November at a dedicated Last Post Service and special spoken word performance. More info and bookings here.
• Attend the author talk by Paul Byrnes about Sons of War on Wednesday 9 November. More info and bookings here.

#RemembranceDay22 #lestweforget #RedtoRemember

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For further information or to request an interview with any of the spokepeople below, please contact Terri King at Pitch on terri@pitchprojects.com or 0488 036 740.

Visit here for information about media accreditation for the Remembrance Day service. 

Images and video footage are available here.

ADDITIONAL INFO: SPOKESPEOPLE

Dean Lee, CEO of the Shrine, is available for interview in the lead up to and on Remembrance Day.

Ricky Morris, Gunditjmara man and retired Army Sergeant, will be one of four veterans from each military service to recite The Ode. Sergeant Morris served as an Army Engineer in East Timor and later in Afghanistan. In 2022 he was appointed the Indigenous Formation Elder for the 4th Army Brigade. Sergeant Morris is available for interview.