RIVERINA SCHOOLS RECEIVE KITS FOR CENTENARY OF ARMISTICE DAY

THE Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging schools and students to become involved in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations.

Mr McCormack said this year marked 100 years since the end of fighting during World War I.

“Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on our calendar,” Mr McCormack said.

“Its origins began on 11 November 1918 when the Armistice which signalled the end of the Great War was signed.

“The day was known as Armistice Day until after World War II when it was renamed Remembrance Day.”

Every year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produce an educational pack which is used in schools right throughout the country to promote the observance of Remembrance Day.

The 2018 Remembrance Day posters feature four portraits of men and women who served during the Gallipoli campaign. The portraits were created by combining one hundred portraits of men and women who have served in the three services of the Australian Defence Force over the past century.

“Educating our future generations on the origins and significance of Remembrance Day, including observing a minute’s silence at 11am, is vitally important,” Mr McCormack said.

“I urge and encourage all schools, students and communities to get involved in this most significant Remembrance Day commemoration to honour all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in relative freedom and democracy.”

Schools will begin to receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on The Anzac Portal: http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/.

Shane Manning