Remembrance Day

People in Australia and many other countries observe one minute's silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because that's when the Armistice came into effect in 1918 that ended fighting in World War I.

At Bellarine Springs we pause with other Australians at 11 am to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peace operations. This generally takes place at the flagpole, or in the pavillion if inclement weather. Anyone who wishes to attend may do so. It's a time to honour all personnel who died or suffered in the service of Australia.

The poppy has long been a part of commemorations held on the anniversary of the Armistice of 11 November 1918, which we now call Remembrance Day.

In 1918, American academic and teacher Moïna Michael was inspired to write a poem after reading McCrae's In Flanders Fields. Michael's poem is called We Shall Keep the Faith. She is known as the first person to wear a red poppy as a personal commemoration. She also encouraged the sale of poppies to raise money for veterans. This gave rise to the poppy becoming a symbol of remembrance around the world.