Red poppies will light up the Sydney Opera House sails at dawn on Friday to mark the start of Remembrance Day followed by a service at Sydney’s Cenotaph to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service men and women.
Minister for Transport, Veterans, and Western Sydney David Elliott said 11 November was a day to pay respect to and remember those who have given their lives in service to our country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions, as well as their families.
“This year will be the first time Remembrance Day services around the state will not be impacted by COVID restrictions so I encourage everyone to either head to the Cenotaph in Martin Place or local community services with families and friends,” Mr Elliott said.
“Free travel will also return this year on most NSW public transport services and will be available to members of the Australian Defence Forces and their carers as well as spouses, children or grandchildren of current and former members.
“For more than a century, red poppies have been used as a symbol of community respect and recognition, marking the end of fighting in the First World War. Poppies have been projected onto the Opera House since 2014 and will light up the sails again at 8pm on Remembrance Day.”
Mr Elliott will join RSL NSW President Ray James OAM, who will recite the Ode before the Last Post rings out across Sydney Harbour, as poppies are projected onto the sails of the Opera House at a special Remembrance Day dawn service at Campbell’s Cove Lookout Circular Quay West.
“Remembrance Day gives the community an opportunity to pause and reflect on the courage, resilience and sacrifice service men and women have shown for our nation,” Mr James said.
“The poppy projection on the Sydney Opera House is a simple reminder for people here, and around the world, to ‘remember to remember’ those who have come home injured or ill, in body or spirit, and all those who bravely serve our country today
Free travel is available for Defence Force members and families all day on Friday 11 November and for those travelling on NSW TrainLink from 10 to 12 November. To access free travel commuters will need to wear: Australian Defence Uniform; display service medals; have a War Widows Gold Card or a letter of accreditation of a branch of the RSL or other recognised ex-services organisation.
