Signing of armistice ‘important day for all Tasmanians’

 It is a day to pause and honour the country’s fallen soldiers. 

This year, the day will carry new significance.

It will mark 100 years since the armistice ended World War I, in November, 1918.

According to the Australian War Memorial “the Armistice of Compiègne between the Allies and Germany came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918. The guns fell silent on the Western Front and after more than four years of unimaginable bloodshed and destruction, the war was finally over”.

“The Armistice paved the way for the signing of a formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, and the end of the war six months later.”

It was not the war to end to all wars as predicted though. 

After World War II, Armistice Day became Remembrance Day – a day to commemorate those killed in all conflicts.

RSL state president Terry Roe said it was an important day for all Tasmanians to reflect upon.

“It is a day we can all come together as a nation, and a society, and collectively remember the sacrifice those people paid for us to enjoy freedom,” he said.

“After four years of fighting, the hostility ended by the signing of the armistice, which makes it a very important part of history.

“A lot of young men went away and those that were fortunate enough to come back weren’t the same, many were suffering the effects of fighting in the trenches.”

A veteran himself, Mr Roe said it was a significant time in our history for not only the soldiers, but all those who served in conflict after them.

“That war really set Australia up with the values those soldiers displayed on the Western Front, the mateship, larrikinism, bravery, endurance and resilience,” he said.

“Those future people that went into the Australian Defence Force, fought in Vietnam and Korea, we had that legacy and the soldiers of today, the men and women of today, certainly uphold that legacy.”

Mr Roe encouraged all Tasmanians to take part in this year’s commemoration.

“It’s not about glorifying war, it’s about remembering the deeds of those young men, some who were no older than 20,” he said.

“It is about honouring the sacrifice and courage they displayed. I would encourage all community members, whether they have a family member who served or not, to come out and show their appreciation and respect.” 

In November The Examiner will produce a special publication in commemoration of the 100 years since the Armistice on November 11, 1918. 

To be part of the publication, share your family’s connection to war by filling out this form.