Remembrance Day commemorated at Launceston Cenotaph

Veterans and family members of those who served proudly wore their medals and paid tribute to fallen members of the armed forces.

In attendance at the service were mates Dr Nicholas Chantler and Mike Turner, who both served in the Australian Army and had families who were involved in WWI.

"My background is in military intelligence, I served three years in Kosovo," Dr Chantler said.

With his large collection of military medals displayed on his chest, Dr Chantler said he had a long family history of serving the country.

"The heritage that I carry goes way, way back to my great-grandfather, my grandfather and my father," he said.

"There are mates that I have now, that I didn't serve with, but we are connected because of what we have been through and the shared understanding."

Dr Chantler said Remembrance Day provided an opportunity for veterans to catch up and reflect on their service.

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He was said it was great to see so many younger people and school groups in attendance for the service.

"It's important for the youth of today to understand how life once was for young people living in Australia and taking part in the war."

Dr Chantler's grandfather was a stretched bearer who endured a gas attack and was sent back to England where he recovered, while his father was a driver.

"He loved any type of vehicle," Dr Chantler said.

"My father was in the initial force that went into France with the British expeditionary forces and was pushed back at Dunkirk.

"He was responsible for something they called a 'rhino', which was a floating raft carrying trucks and Jeeps on it."

Schools, members of state and local government and members of the public also showed their solidarity by wearing a poppy or laying a wreath.

Those in attendance observed a minute's silence and heard words from numerous speakers including Major Stefan Shearer who highlighted the sacrifice made by those who fought.

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"We cannot bring the dead and raise them up again," he said.

"We cannot reunite loved ones. We cannot recreate the shattered lives and vanished hopes of the lost generation, but we can remember them".

Major Shearer said WWI, in particular, had a lasting impact on Tasmania.

"A number of brave Tasmanian women joined the effort, including over 80 nurses who saw service in theatres of war across the globe. Two-and-a-half thousand Tasmanian soldiers never returned home. A war that was fought so far away left an undeniable mark on this state.

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"As we pause on Remembrance Day, our thoughts turn to war's enormous cost and the toll it takes, not only those who fall but also those who are affected by its carnage.

"During the war and after its end survivors returned home to a country both grateful for their service and traumatised by the wars enormous cost."

Along with Major Shearer there were also speeches from Launceston RSL president Lieutenant-Colonel Graeme Barnett RFD, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and music from the City of Launceston Choir.

Following the service was a barbecue lunch held at the Launceston RSL where members gathered and shared memories and stories of their experiences.

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Remembrance Day services were held across the state in the country, with the nation stopping on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, along with other Commonwealth countries who died in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day services were held throughout the Commonwealth, with citizens stopping on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month.

The day is also known for the bright red poppies worn by those remembering the sacrifice. Poppies were among the first plants that came from the battlefields of Northern France and Belgium during the war.

Remembrance Day has been observed in Australia since 1919. The minute's silence at 11am marks the time the guns fell silent on the Western Front on November 11, 1918.

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