Media release: Ministers Marles, Keogh and Khalil - At the eleventh hour, a nation remembers
Department of Veterans' Affairs
OFFICIAL
RICHARD MARLES MP
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
PETER KHALIL MP
ASSISTANT Minister for DEFENCE
MEDIA RELEASE
11 NOVEMBER 2026
AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR, A NATION REMEMBERS
On Remembrance Day, Australians will pause to honour the more than 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives while serving our nation in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and recognise the enduring impact of service on veterans and families of veterans.
Today, at 11am on 11 November, Australians will observe a minute's silence, joining people around the world in remembering those who have served and sacrificed in times of war, conflict and peace.
More than a century since the guns fell silent on the Western Front, marking the end of the First World War, Remembrance Day remains as important today as it was for the Australians who commemorated the anniversary of the Armistice on 11 November 1918.
It is a day to remember those who never returned home, acknowledge the enduring impact of war on veterans and their families, and reflect on the human cost of conflict.
Since the First World War, more than two million Australians have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Their contribution forms an enduring part of our national story.
Whether attending a commemorative service, visiting a local memorial, laying a wreath, or simply pausing in quiet reflection, all Australians are encouraged to take a moment on Remembrance Day to remember those who served our nation.
On Remembrance Day, we honour their legacy, reflect on the freedoms secured through their service, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Lest we forget.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
"On Remembrance Day, we honour the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and we remember all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
"As Australians pause for a minute's silence at 11am, we reflect on the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who served, and the enduring impact of service on veterans and their families.
"Their service helped shape the Australia we know today. We honour their legacy, cherish the freedoms they defended, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
“Lest we forget."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh:
“Today, as Australians have done on this day for over a century, our nation will pause in solemn reflection to remember those who died and suffered for our country.
“On Remembrance Day, we count the cost of war and come together to acknowledge the impact of service on families through the generations.
“We do this to honour that sacrifice, not to glorify war but to promote peace and the enduring values of our nation.
“This year we reflect on those who served in Afghanistan, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Commencing 25 years ago this year, it was to be our longest conflict.
“Lest we forget.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil:
“On Remembrance Day, we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice will forever be part of our national story.
“Today is also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of service on veterans and their families. We recognise the sacrifices made by generations of Australians and the families who have stood beside them.
“I encourage all Australians to make time today at 11am to remember those who served, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today because of their service.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
DVA Media: [email protected]