SCHOOLS’ MAIL-OUT TO ENCOURAGE MILESTONE RECOGNITION

Schools around the country will soon receive their annual educational kit in preparation for Remembrance Day, which this year marks the centenary of the Armistice that ended the fighting of the First World War.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said that in the years after, Remembrance Day was known as Armistice Day, to remember those who suffered and died in the First World War.

“It was not until after the Second World War that it became known as Remembrance Day, and today we commemorate all those who have suffered and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Chester said.

“The centenary of this significant date in our history provides the opportunity to educate our next generation in the importance of observing a minute’s silence at 11 am on 11 November.

“As a nation we must ensure the service and sacrifice of our ancestors, and the effect of military service on the country as a whole, is understood and remembered by the youngest members of our community.”

The educational kit is now being distributed to schools across Australia and includes Remembrance Day commemorative posters, the 2019 DVA calendar, an educational resource and flyers promoting ‘Great Debates: The Anzac Legend’.

“In the final year of the Anzac Centenary, the posters feature four portraits of men and women who served during the Gallipoli campaign. Each portrait is made up of 100 photographs of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personal over the past century,” Mr Chester said.

“Included in the kit is the eighth book in the Century of Service series, Candour: Stories in the words of those who served 1914–18, which contains diary extracts and letters from service men and women who served during the First World War, providing interesting accounts of life during the war.

“I encourage all schools, students and communities to get involved in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations, marking the centenary of the First World War Armistice, to remember all those who have suffered or died while serving our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over a Century of Service.”

Schools will begin to receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on the DVA Anzac Portal.