From 1 November, the Shrine’s ‘11 Days of Remembrance’ program explores how artistic expression allows us to confront and interpret the complexities of war, encouraging empathy, understanding, and reflection.
For 89 years the Shrine of Remembrance has been the home of commemoration and remembrance for the Victorian community. It is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the cost of conflict, as well as a testament to the fortitude, courage and generosity of those who serve all of us.
This year, in the lead up to the Victorian State Remembrance Day Service on Saturday 11 November, the Shrine invites Victorians and visitors to take part in the 11 Days of Remembrance program, which offers creative and inspiring experiences for individuals and families, including the Ink in the Lines exhibition exploring tattooing and self-expression, an installation showcasing the work of Official War Artist V. (Vaughan) Murray Griffin, poppy-making workshop and a panel event with distinguished war reporter, Andrew Quilty.
The 11-day program commemorates service, sacrifice and the many forms of artistic expression that reflect experiences of war and conflict. It provides a lens through which we can remember, learn, and contemplate the past while striving for a peaceful future.
1- 11 November
- Daily bespoke tours of the Shrine culminating in a Ray of Light simulation in the Sanctuary with Shrine Guard in historic uniform.
- ‘Lest We Forget’ light installation on the Second World War Memorial Forecourt.
- The Shrine and other Melbourne landmarks will light “red to remember”.
- Ink in the Lines exhibition makes its Melbourne debut at the Shrine, celebrating the long history of tattooing in the Australian military from 1915 to today through photographic and audio visual projections, featuring the tattoos of modern veterans and their families.
- New installation in the Shrine’s permanent galleries will feature a selection of artworks by celebrated war artist V. (Vaughan) Murray Griffin, thanks to a recent donation to the Shrine’s collection.
Saturday 4 November
Paperlab’s poppy-making workshop with Louise Seymour will share how to create intricate paper poppies ahead of Remembrance Day.
Sunday 5 November
Last Post Service dedicated to Nurses featuring bugle calls and piper, Shrine Guard in historic uniform, a wreath-laying, recital of the Ode, and lowering of the flags.
Monday 6 November
A virtual workshop with the National Archives of Australia will give an introduction to their records, including how to search and access them.
Thursday 9 November
A special panel event with one of Australia's great war reporters, Walkley award-winning photo-journalist Andrew Quilty. Andrew will be in conversation about his new book This Is Afghanistan with Zahra Karimi, women’s rights advocate and Hazara woman, and Natasha Mitchell, host of ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas.
On Saturday 11 November, the State Remembrance Day Service will invite all to pause to remember those who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations. Ceremonial elements include the observing of one minute’s silence, recitation of the Ode and an address from the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC. Artist and musician Fred Smith will also perform at the service.
Falling on a Saturday, Remembrance Day in 2023 presents a unique opportunity for the community to join in reflective remembrance; a chance for all generations to contemplate the fragility of peace and the importance of the Shrine as a monument of national cultural significance.
The Shrine’s CEO, Dean Lee, says: ‘’Remembrance Day gives solemn tribute to the sacrifices made to defend Australia and celebrates the hard-won peace at war’s end. It is a day of unity honouring the past to inspire a future secured through the courage and enduring tenacity of our veterans.’’
MC, Group Captain Annette Holian says: “Hosting Remembrance Day at the Shrine, as a veteran and Shrine Governor, is a profound privilege. Today, we gather not just as a community, but as a living testament to the enduring spirit of service, sacrifice, and unity. Together, we remember, we reflect, and we recommit ourselves to the values that have always defined our nation. Let us honour those who came before us and pave the way for a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.”
This November, all Victorians are encouraged to continue the unbroken tradition of a minute’s silence to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians.
Take a minute to pause, reflect and remember on Saturday 11 November.
State Remembrance Day Service
10:30-11.30am
Second World War Memorial Forecourt Shrine of Remembrance
#RemembranceDay23 #lestweforget #RedtoRemember #ShrineofRemembrance
Key Facts:
On Saturday 11 November, the State Remembrance Day Service will invite all to pause to remember those who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations.
The Shrine invites Victorians and visitors to take part in the 11 Days of Remembrance program, which offers creative and inspiring experiences for individuals and families, including the Ink in the Lines exhibition exploring tattooing and self-expression, an installation showcasing the work of Official War Artist V. (Vaughan) Murray Griffin, poppy-making workshop and a panel event with distinguished war reporter, Andrew Quilty.
Contact details:
For further information or to request an interview with any of the spokespeople below, please contact Bec Bridges on bec@pitchprojects.com or 0405 655 245.
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
Visit here for information about media accreditation for the Remembrance Day service.
View the Order of Service for Remembrance Day at the Shrine of Remembrance and find out what's happening on the day here.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
The Shrine’s CEO Dean Lee is available for interview in the lead up to and on Remembrance Day.
Group Captain Annette Holian, who was appointed as a Shrine Governor in 2006 will MC the Remembrance Day Service; she has served in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Indonesia and the Middle East Area of Operations in peacekeeping, warlike and non-warlike operations and in humanitarian disaster responses. Annette is available for interview in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
Veteran and artist James Farquharson, who will be reading the Ode and laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day Service, will also be available for interview in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
