Victorians can honour and remember the brave Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations this Remembrance Day.

Many Victorians observed a minute’s silence wherever they were at 11am today – a tradition that marks the end of the First World War, when the guns fell silent on the Western Front on 11 November 1918, the first moment of peace in four years.

Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman attended the annual Remembrance Day service, held at the Shrine of Remembrance this morning.

Veterans, war widows and current defence members can travel for free on public transport to services today by showing their Veterans Card – Victoria, wearing a uniform or service medals, showing a returned from active service or war widows’ badge, or presenting aDVA gold or white card.

Free public transport is also open to school students, Scouts, Guides, Australian Defence Force cadets and band members in uniform.

In the lead up to Remembrance Day this year, the Shrine of Remembrance has delivered 11 Days of Remembrance, a program of special opportunities for Victorians to honour the service and sacrifice of the veteran community.

As part of this program Melbourne landmarks have been lighting up Red to Remember. The Shrine also offered a special daily tour focused on the significance of Remembrance Day, culminating with a viewing of the Ray of Light in the memorial’s Sanctuary.

Victorians can show support for the veteran community by buying and wearing a poppy through RSL’s Poppy Appeal. For more than 100 years, the Poppy Appeal has raised funds for the RSL to support Australian veterans and their families.

Poppies are available for purchase at local RSLs, participating Woolworths and Officeworks stores and from volunteers in the local community. To donate online or learn more visit poppyappeal.com.au .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman MP

“Every year on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we mark the moment in 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front at the end of the First World War.”

“It’s an honour to attend the Shrine on Remembrance Day, to pause and recognise the brave Australians who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”