97 years ago today, the guns on the Western Front fell silent.
It signalled the end of a conflict that uprooted ten per cent of our population.
Over 112,000 Victorians fought in World War One, and 19,000 never made it home.
Today we remember them.
We remember them, and the many thousands of others who fought in our colours in every conflict since.
And we don’t do so with bombast and vainglory – but with dignity and honour.
97 years on, we might question the call to war, but we cannot question the people who heard that call.
We can only thank those who fought, mourn those who died, and remember those who lost a part of themselves.
So wear your poppy today, and observe the minute's silence - even if you're just at your desk or at home.
It's the very least we can do.
Reviewed 19 August 2020