Dr Dennis Jensen MP

State War Memorial, Kings Park

On November 11 each year we commemorate the sacrifice of 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice

We also remember the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Forces in times of war and peace, especially those who continue to carry the wounds of their service.

It was my honour to represent the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition at the Remembrance Day Commemorative Service at the State War Memorial, Kings Park

Remembrance Day marks the end of hostilities in World War One, a war which cost 64,000 Australian lives and left hundreds of thousands wounded.

Over time, Remembrance Day has become the day of national commemoration for the fallen of all wars and to reflect on the service of others in defence of freedom and democracy.

As we pause to commemorate Remembrance Day, one of our most recognised and symbolic institutions will mark 70 years of service to the nation.

The 70th anniversary of the opening of the Australian War Memorial is a moment for solemn celebration for its service to Australia.

On 11 November 1941, just weeks before the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor and Darwin and the darkest days of World War Two, Australia's Governor-General, Lord Gowrie VC, opened the Australian War Memorial in memory of the 64,000 dead of the World War One.

At the conclusion of World War Two, the total number of names would exceed 100,000, with 39,000 names added to the Roll of Honour.

Today, the Australian War Memorial contains the name of all of Australia's 103,000 war dead, and later today more names will be added to the Roll of Honour, names of men who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan during this year.

Every year, almost one million people visit the Australian War Memorial, including more than 125,000 school children.

I encourage all Australians to buy a poppy and wear it with pride this Remembrance Day.

Photos from the Commemorative Service