November 10, 2021

Remembrance Day: Lest we forget

“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Winston Churchill

Tomorrow marks Remembrance Day.

On this day, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who lost their lives serving our nation and its allies in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

On the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence is observed and dedicated to the lives of people who died fighting to protect our nation.

To commemorate this important date, Hospital Reception Manager, Nick Caruana and HIS Operations Manager, David Mangano, are ensuring a coordinated observation of Remembrance Day at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital and Bundoora Centre at 11 am. The flag at Northern Hospital Epping will be lowered to half-mast.

“This is an important date in the Australian calendar and we want to ensure all staff, patients and visitors have the opportunity to pause and remember all of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” David said.

Remembrance Day marks the day World War One ended. At 11 am on 11 November, 1918, the guns in the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post war years, after the Germans called for an armistice in order to secure a peace settlement. On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, two minutes’ silence was instituted as part of the commemorative ceremony at the new cenotaph in London.

The red poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Poppies are used to remember those who have given their lives in battle because the flowers grew on the battlefield after the end of World War One.

Many decades on, it’s still important to remember the countless men and women who fought and served in war.

Featured image L-R: Suzanne Hains, Reception and Switchboard Operator, Bundoora Centre, Reception and Switchboard Operator, Broadmeadows Hospital, Lisa Babic, and Lyndall Fleming at Northern Hospital Epping Reception.