Commemoration

'Lest we forget' as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism The phrase 'Lest we forget' is from a line in an 1897 Rudyard Kipling poem, Recessional:

About Us

Commemorations & War Graves The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) acknowledges and commemorates all those who have served Austral

Anzac biscuits to make for Anzac Day or a commemorative event

Recipe for Anzac biscuits We published this recipe in our book, We Remember Anzac: Primary Resource

Anzac Day 25 April

Anzac Day In Australia (1940) newsreel (Video)

The first Anzac Day of the war was seen very much as a passing of the torch from the original AIF to the Second AIF. In this newsreel footage, we see troops, World War I veterans and police marching…

Anzac Day Kitbag for hosting a commemorative event (Fact sheet)

Host resources for an Anzac Day ceremony. Our kitbag includes a suggested order of service with flag protocols, speech, the Ode of Remembrance, music suggestions and the National Anthem. Print them…

Australian Remembrance Trail in Belgium and France

Plan your trip Between 1916 and 1918, some 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front.

Australian war graves and overseas memorials

In Australia

Battle for Australia Day

Significance of the day Thousands of Australians were engaged in actions against Japanese forces during the Battle for Australia.

Bugles - Last Post - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on the bugle. Bugles are musical instruments that were played during battles to send instructions to soldiers. A tune called The Last Post marked the end of the day when the…

Commemoration

The Australian Government commemorates and remembers the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service men and women.

Commemorative grants to honour Australian veterans

Grant categories DVA provides two categories of grants under the

Dawn ceremony as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism The idea of a dawn service originates from the army's 'stand-to' routine in World War I.

Emu plume as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism

Eternal flame as a symbol of commemoration

History of its symbolism An eternal flame, like a flame, lamp or torch, glows for

Flags - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on flags flown at half-mast. This is a commemorative symbol that means we are remembering someone who has died. On Anzac Day, the Australian flag is lowered for a period of time…

Here they come—A day to remember video (Video)

This video is part of a series of videos developed for the Here they come—A day to remember publication.

Honour Rolls - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on honour rolls, which records the names of individuals from a community who served during a war. Communities make honour rolls to recognise the service of veterans and remember…

Honour rolls as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism

Kokoda Track trekking in Papua New Guinea

Significance of Kokoda When Australians remember World War I, they often think of the Gallipoli Campaign. When they think of World War II, many think of the Kokoda Campaign.

Medals as symbols of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism Medals and decorations are an official symbol of someone's service in the defence forces.

Memorial sites to visit in Australia and overseas

Remembering ... in many ways Wherever you are in Australia, in small towns and large cities, you can find a war memorial. Community war memorials come in many forms:

Merchant Navy Day 3 September

Significance of 3 September We commemorate Merchant Navy Day each year on 3 September. This is the anniversary of the first merchant marine sinking of World War II.

One minute's silence as a symbol of commemoration

History of its symbolism Edward George Honey, a Melbourne journalist and World War I veteran, was living in London in 1919.

Personal commemorations

Download our Anzac Day poster  We have created 2 posters for this Anzac Day, along with student activity sheets. We send copies to schools around Australia.

Planning an Anzac Day service or a commemorative event

Help with your event Feel free to use our information or adapt it to suit your audience.

Poppies - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on poppies, which are red flowers that symbolise commemoration. Poppies grew on the battlefields of Belgium and France in World War I. Many Australian soldiers died there during…

Poppies to make for Anzac Day or a commemorative event

Making a paper poppy This is one way to make commemorative paper poppies.

Red poppies as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism During World War I, red poppies were among the first plants to grow on the Western Front

Remembrance Day 11 November

 How you can get involved On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge those who have served and continue to serve our country. All Australians can:

Riderless horse as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism For hundreds of years, the riderless horse has been used in military parades to remember fallen soldiers.

Rosemary - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on the herb rosemary. Rosemary grows wild on Gallipoli in Turkey. Many Australian soldiers died there during World War I. This symbolic herb is often worn on Anzac Day to help us…

Rosemary as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism Since ancient times, the aromatic herb rosemary has been believed to improve your memory. It's an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance.

Salute as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism

Sample speeches for Anzac Day

Simple speech This speech would be suitable for a commemorative address for small ceremonies at primary schools, aged care facilities and other local community settings.

Slouch hat as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism

Symbols of commemoration

You'll find many meaningful symbols of commemoration at services held on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and during military ceremonies and funerals.

Victory in the Pacific Day 15 August

Vietnam Veterans' Day 18 August

Australians and the Vietnam War The Vietnam War was Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th Century.

War Cemeteries within Australia (Fact sheet)

The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) cares for the perpetual commemorations of Commonwealth forces of the First and Second World Wars in 72 Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) war…

War memorials as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism Memorials provide a place for people to gather and remember those who served from their local community, region, state or country.

War museums and memorials to visit

Visit a site or interact online Museums play a vital role in educating the public by:

Why We Remember: P-3 Commemoration presentation (Educational), (Classroom activity)

Presentation slide deck for teachers of P-3 students in Australia. Designed to explain the difference between 'celebration' and 'commemoration' to lower primary students. It explores the terms '…

Wreaths - Here they come—A day to remember (Video)

This video focuses on wreaths as a commemorative symbol to help us honour and remember people who have died in war. Wreaths are often laid at ceremonies and memorials during such commemorative…

Wreaths as a symbol of commemoration in Australia

History of its symbolism In ancient times, the Romans used a wreath of laurel leaves to symbolise bravery, strength and triumph.

Wreaths to make for Anzac Day or a commemorative event

Making a commemorative wreath You may like to make your own wreath for a ceremony or a personal commemoration at home.
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