The sound of a bugle was heard at dawn across Circular Quay on Wednesday, marking the first sign of a day of remembrance.
Acting Veterans Affair Minister Geoff Lee stood side-by-side with the bugler and RSL NSW acting president Ray James as the Sydney Opera House was covered in dozens of red poppies for Remembrance Day 2020.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month signifies Germany’s truce in France in 1918 which ended the First War.
Over 60,000 Australians died while fighting for their country, and today the nation pays tribute to those lost and to those who are still serving.
Minister Lee described the moment the Opera House lit up as “spine tingling”.
“This morning was a great scene, the water was glassy, the sun was rising to the east and red poppies were projected onto the white sails of the Opera House in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” he said.
“It was a strong symbolic reminder of the service and sacrifice made over a century ago which gave us the freedom we enjoy today.”
Due to the pandemic, services won’t be the way they were in the previous years, where over 100 people gathered to mark the significant day.
Instead, they will be sticking to the four-square-metre rule.
But it is an improvement on what was a “highly disruptive” Anzac Day.
“This is the first time we’ve had this year to actually commemorate those that have served our country,” he said.
“It will always be important to recognise the extreme challenges our nation has overcome thanks to endurance, mateship, sacrifice and courage.”
Minister Lee said it’s crucial for young people to recognise the significance of the day, so schools have been given activity packs for students to make poppies and create stories around those who have served at war.
“We want to encourage young people to understand the importance of our history and legacy of those who have served our country,” he said.
An invite-only official Remembrance Day service will be held at the Martin Place Cenotaph in Sydney later on Wednesday.
