RSL LifeCare Remembrance Day 11 Nov 2020 – with a difference

Each year on this day, Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

As with many events in the 2020 calendar, this year’s RSL LifeCare Remembrance Day service will be different from those previously held. 

At 11.00 am on 11 November, 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous war. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the proceeding four months. In November the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) to secure a peace settlement. They then accepted the allied terms for unconditional surrender.

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month attained a special significance in the post-war years. The moment hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. The first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between nine and thirteen million of them dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known grave.

• Australian War Memorial – Origins of Remembrance Day

Here is a list of activities and information regarding this years Remembrance Day.

Streamed RSL LifeCare service

A small invitation-only event will be held at the RSL ANZAC Village, Narrabeen Chapel. The service will commence from 10.30 am on 11 November and will be streamed on the RSL Chapel YouTube Channel.

One Minute’s Silence

All Australian’s are encouraged to pause, for 1 min at 11 am and 11 November to reflect on the sacrifices made by those that have served their country.

National Service – Australian War Memorial

The ABC will broadcast the National Service from the Australian War Memorial. Approximately 10.45 am to 11:45 am. Please check guides closer to the event. Click here for more information.

Remembrance Services across RSL LifeCare Facilities and Villages

While many of our locations hold a service each year, this year, our Remembrance Services will be low key and modified from previous years to help ensure physical distancing and consistency with current COVID-19 health protocols.

If you would like to find out what is happening your Village or Facility, please reach out directly to the manager, you can find the full contact list here.

Readings, hymns and links to sources 

Music

Music is an important part of most commemorative events. Music can create strong feelings and memories. Music, including the Australian National Anthem, commemorative music (e.g. Last Post and Rouse) and Hymns are available on the Anzac Portal click here, including a Spotify Playlist and audio files to download.

Anthems

Advance Australia Fair – 1st verse only mp3 1.4mb (1:10 minutes)

Advance Australia Fair – both verses mp3 2.6mb (1:55 minutes)

Commemorative music

The Last Post is a bugle call that is usually played before the 1 minute of silence at a commemorative service. The Last Post mp3 1.1mb (01:32 minutes)

The Rouse is a bugle call that is often played after the 1 minute of silence at a service. The Rouse mp3 383kb (0:31 minutes)

Hymns

O Valiant Hearts(2min 51 sec)

Abide With Me (2min 37 sec)

O God, Our Help in Ages Past (1min 47sec)

Prayers 

The Lord’s Prayer

Psalm 23: 1-6 – The Lord Is My Shepherd

John 15: 10-13

Micah 4: 3-5

Ephesians 6: 13-15

Readings

Can be found on the Anzac portal click here;

1. 1. An Act of Remembrance
   2. Tribute to our Unknown Soldiers
   3. The Ode
   4. In Flanders Fields