Commemoration played an important role in helping Australians to come to terms with the physical and emotional costs of the First World War. Well before the war had ended, Australians began to commemorate the contribution of those who had served.
At the end of the war, a great many communities across the country rallied to build local war memorials, providing places for grief and reflection.
The Australian Government also established days for commemoration: Armistice Day (celebrated across the world and now known here as Remembrance Day) marked the end of the war and Anzac Day became a public holiday.
Since this time, Australians have continued to commemorate the First World War, both here and overseas.
Curriculum areas
- Year 9 History
Questions
- Why was commemoration important at the end of the First World War?
- Why do people continue to commemorate the contribution of those who served in the First World War?
- What forms of commemoration take place in Australia today?
