The guns fell silent 100 years ago on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, signalling war’s end. We invite all to join us for special commemorative activities on, and in the lead up to, Remembrance Day. Together, we celebrate the centenary of the Armistice of the First World War and pause to remember those men and women who have served and sacrificed.
PRELUDE
(FROM 4 TO 11 NOVEMBER)
The 5000 Poppies Project returns to the Shrine with a contemplative walk of handmade poppies articulating The Ode from Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen. Also, in an historic first, the Shrine will be illuminated red to remember this momentous event one hundred years ago.
REMEMBRANCE DAY AT THE SHRINE: Pipers at Dawn: Pipers from across the world will join at 6am to mark this period in history. Official Service: TheRemembrance Day Service commences at 10.15am. Choral Performance: Listen to a poignant vocal tribute following the official service. Visit the Galleries:See the beautiful centenary wreath in our exhibition Flowers of war. Massed Pipes Flag Lowering Service: The Shrine Guard will lower the flags at 5pm as the Last Post sounds. The Battle’s O’er, performed by massed Pipes, will symbolise the end of the First World War.
All are welcome to attend the following commemorative services.
4th Australian Field Regiment
Wednesday 7 November, midday
Wreath Laying at Memorial Tree C59
The Regiment’s annual pilgrimage to their memorial tree on the Shrine Reserve is in honour of all serving members and those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Students and staff of Caulfield Grammar School will support this service, as part of the Shrine’s Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation program.
Thursday 15 November, 12.30pm
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
This month we commemorate the following important dates:
2 November 1942 – Kokoda Airstrip Re-occupied
12 November 1943 – Final Japanese Air Raid on Australia
5 November 1950 – Battle of Pakchon, Korea
Sunday 18 November, 10.30am
Wreath Laying at Memorial Tree G55
Each year the service and sacrifice of the Gurkha/Nepalese Regiments is honoured at their memorial plaque. The plaque was dedicated on Remembrance Day 2007 and is located near the Legacy Garden.
Sunday 18 November, midday
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
The 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (9RAR) was raised in November 1967 for service in the Vietnam War. The unit was deployed to Vietnam in November 1968 where it saw active service over the next 12 months as part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF).
Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person. Bookings essential.
Young Ambassador Program
Applications close next Thursday 8 November
We invite you to nominate your son, daughter, niece or nephew (who is currently in Yr 8 or Yr 9) for the opportunity to build confidence and learn through participation in Shrine commemorations. This youth leadership program is a great way to meet new friends and learn more about the importance of remembrance in honouring Australia’s service community and our military history. Includes an educational trip to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
When news of the end of the Great War arrived in Australia late on 11 November 1918, the outpouring of emotion in the streets spoke not only to pride but to the deep relief that four years of torment were over. Join Dr Bart Ziino as he speaks to the Australian experience of the Armistice.
An exclusive event for Friends of the Shrine members, join us for a festive end to the year and light luncheon in the Terrace Courtyard (weather permitting). Following the luncheon, Friends will be taken on a special tour of the gardens to view some of the plants that are featured in our centenary exhibition Flowers of war. Free for Friends of the Shrine. $30 for non-friends.
Saturday 24 November, 10.30am and midday – Departing from the Visitor Centre
Explore the Shrine gardens on this special guided tour. Discover which of our plants and trees have been immortalised in the enamelled emblems of the centenary exhibition Flowers of war. The tour includes Devonshire tea (at the conclusion of the 10.30am session and at the commencement of the midday session).
As fighting ceased on the Western Front in November 1918, the Australian military turned its attention to a threat closer to home. The Spanish influenza had arrived in the Pacific Islands and was taking a devastating toll on the populations of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. Join author Dr Steven Bullard as he reflects on a century of Australian emergency relief missions.
Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support our education programs.
Flowers of war
Now open – East Gallery
The appearance of cornflowers and poppies on battlefields at the end of the First World War symbolised for many the fragility of life and the hope of rebirth. This large sculptural steel wreath draws on stories of the First World War from local community archives and museums and considers the many ways people reflect upon the past.
Contemporary drawings of Craig Barrett are showcased in an exhibition inspired by the works of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen; British soldier/poets renowned for their evocative and insightful war poetry reflecting their experiences on the Western Front during the First World War. Everyman makes a poignant returnin the lead up to the centenary of the Armistice.
Many Australian service men and women gave aid to the resistance, other Australians owed their freedom and their lives to it. Uncover the stories of those who through accident or design found themselves battling the Axis using unconventional means.
What does it mean to save lives as others are taking them? Medics on the frontline give gripping accounts of their experiences. Stories of immense trauma are offset against moments of touching humanity. Sometimes when the stakes are high it is these flashes of compassion and humanity that endure.
We ship worldwide. All proceeds support our education programs.
Remembrance Magazine
November 2018—Centenary of the Armistice edition
$5.00
This latest edition includes Revelry and relief by Dr Bart Ziino, coinciding with the centenary of the Armistice of the First World War. Another feature is Flowers of war by Toby Miller which offers insight into the creation of the centenary wreath that features in our latest exhibition of the same name. Download a copy
Poppy Traveller Mug
$29.99
A beautiful ceramic traveller mug ideal for your morning coffee or an ice cold beverage, all while saving the planet. Adorned with poppies, mark the centenary of the Armistice with this daily companion.
An adorable bear to remember those who served with the Australian Flying Corps in the Great War. Also available in the collection are Little Armistice Digger, Nurse Bear and Sailor Bear.