Remembrance Day | Soldier On Australia

SOLDIER ON PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS PAST AND PRESENT

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, each year Australians around the world will observe a minutes silence to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have died in wars, conflict, and peacekeeping operations, to protect our nation

. This year, Soldier On recognises the work of our ADF personnel who assist the Australian community, and communities around the world. From war zones to peacekeeping missions, natural disasters to emergency responses and so much more. In sharing these stories, we highlight and celebrate the fantastic work of our current and ex-serving personnel and the diverse operations that bring tremendous support to those in need.

Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the extensive work of our personnel is increasingly evident in day-to-day life.

“This year, we pay tribute to the incredible efforts of our Defence personnel and the tireless support they continue to give to our nation in times of great devastation and uncertainty. Through floods, bushfires and a global pandemic, our Defence personnel have assisted the Australian public through great times of need,” Mr Slavich said.

“Remembrance Day is a day for the Australian public to show their respect and acknowledge the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. As a community, Australia needs to come together to ensure that our veterans and their families are adequately supported,” Mr Slavich added.

102-year-old March On Patron, Sergeant Bert Le-Merton, stands with our contemporary veterans to acknowledge their service to our nation.

“Whilst we remember today those members of our armed forces who have died in the line of duty, it is also so important that we never forget to care for our surviving veterans.”

Remembrance Day is a powerful and emotive historic day. For many, it is an important occasion to pause, reflect and remember loved ones. For some, it can sometimes bring unexpected memories or feelings. This year we encourage you to reach out to Soldier On for support and stay connected: getsupport@soldieron.org.au

Remembrance Day Field of Poppies at Soldier On

On the 11^th day of the 11^th month at the 11^th hour, each year Australians around the world will observe a minutes silence to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have died in wars, conflict, and peacekeeping operations, to protect our nation.

Commemorating those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts will be different this year given the COVID-19 pandemic. This Remembrance Day, Soldier On will be creating a field of poppies to honour those who have served in the Australian Defence Force and paid the ultimate sacrifice. The poppy are the flowers that grew on the battlefields after World War One ended and have become a symbol to remember those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world.

Solider On Australia’s CEO, Ivan Slavich, says “Remembrance Day is a day for the Australian public to show their respect and acknowledge the sacrifices of our service men and women. As a community, Australia needs to come together to ensure that our veterans and their families are adequately supported. It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for all Australians, with the devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have relied on the support of many of our servicemen and women, and in-turn their families during these times.”

Sergeant Bert Le Merton, Patron of Soldier On’s March On campaign, said “Whilst we remember today those members of our armed forces who have died in the line of duty, it is also so important that we never forget to care for our surviving veterans.”

Sergeant Bert, who has walked an incredible 107.3km and raised a staggering $86,500, is currently recovering from an injury, however is looking forward to walking around the block again to continue his personal mission to support our modern day veterans.

Whilst the Centenary of ANZAC has raised awareness of the contemporary veteran and the issues they face, we as a community must continue to support our Defence community, particularly once they have separated from service to avoid issues that can arise in the years to come.

Matched Giving Doubles Donations

MEDIA RELEASE: Every dollar donated by the Australian public will be doubled by Soldier On corporate partners leading up to this year’s Remembrance Day.

Soldier On launched its third annual Stronger Together campaign today in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, 11 November 2020.

The 24-hour unique fundraising initiative in support of Australian contemporary veterans and their families will kick off at 10am today and continue until 10am on Tuesday 10th November when all public donations made to Soldier On will be matched by a host of the charity’s corporate partners.

In the lead up to Remembrance Day, the importance of supporting service personnel is at the forefront of the Australian community’s minds. Soldier On will be holding a 24-hour Australia-wide campaign to raise much-needed funds to strengthen our services around the country and ensure that all defence families across Australia are supported as best as they can be, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted so many of our veterans and their families.

Solider On Australia’s CEO, Ivan Slavich, says “It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for all Australians, with the devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have relied on the support of many of our servicemen and women – and in-turn their families – during these times. Now it’s time for the Australian public to show their gratitude. As a community – Australia needs to come together to ensure that our veterans and their families are adequately supported. They need us to show our support and come together so they’re stronger and stay connected.”

‘We need all Australians to give any funds that they can afford to help strengthen the reach of Soldier On’s support programs, for those who face significant and unique post-service struggles including difficulty finding work, post-traumatic stress disorder and feelings of isolation. Soldier On has proven that our programs are comprehensive and relevant to help our veterans and their families build better futures following their service.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our matchers, this campaign presents the ideal opportunity for Australians to show their gratitude to those who have fought in our nation’s defence, because every dollar donated will be doubled during the 24 hour campaign,” adds Mr Slavich.

Australian philanthropist Dr Chau Chak Wing said: “From my visit to Soldier On, I came to understand the problems and challenges faced by our veterans and their families in their daily lives. I am proud to support such an important campaign and I encourage everyone to show more care and support for veterans and their families.”

Soldier On is a leader in supporting those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. With an exemplary track record of providing practical and emotional assistance critical to building successful post-service lives, Soldier On is recognised as an essential first port of call for veterans and their families as they transition from the Defence Force to civilian life.

Canberra Glassworks teams up with Soldier On to Commemorate Remembrance Day

In the week leading up to this year’s Remembrance Day, Soldier On is joining with Canberra Glassworks to support its Field of Poppies’, campaign with a donation from the purchase of every glass artwork going to the veteran support services organisation.

‘Field of Poppies’, is a limited-edition series of glass artworks created by Canberra’s award-winning glass artist Kirstie Rea to commemorate Remembrance Day on 11 November 2020, and is available exclusively from Canberra Glassworks.

Kirstie, the winner of the 2019 Klaus Moje Glass Award, was inspired by her childhood memories of watching televised images of families visiting cemeteries full of white marble tombstones, where their fathers and grandfathers bravely fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

Each exclusive ‘Field of Poppies’ artwork is made from layers of glass containing specks of red glass scattered throughout to symbolise both tombstones and poppies. At the base of the handheld piece is a small section which can be hand engraved with a personalised message of remembrance, for example the name of a loved one or an important date.

Ivan Slavich, CEO of Solider On, comments: “We are delighted to team up with the Canberra Glassworks for this campaign. Remembrance Day is an extremely emotive time for many veterans and their families and this unique artwork can be something special for people to have to remember their loved ones.”

Julie Skate, CEO of Canberra Glassworks, comments: “We are delighted that Solider On is supporting us on this campaign. The work they do to support veterans and their families is fantastic and we hope that with the donated funds from our Field of Poppies campaign, this will in some way help to support more people going forward. We hope to work together on many more campaigns to help veterans and their families.”

The Canberra-born artist holds this project very dear to her as the inspiration came from the memories of her Grandfathers’ experience in World War One.

Kirstie Rea commented: “It is really important to keep your memories close to you and with this object you can hold it in the palm of your hand, have a sense of touch and hold it close to your heart. The glass responds to your body heat and its weight enables you to hold it close to you, as with all heartfelt memories.”

The limited-edition ‘Field of Poppies’ artworks have a RRP of $240 and Canberra Glassworks will be making a donation to Soldier On with every one purchased.

To purchase, visit: https://canberraglassworks.com/field-of-poppies