Defence personnel will attend all A-League football matches this weekend to help players, spectators and officials honour the sacrifices made by servicemen and women as part of the inaugural Remembrance Round.
Prior to the start of A-League matches, players, team officials and supporters will pause to honour those who have fought and died while serving Australia.
Ceremonial activities will include an ADF flag party, a military band, the Ode, The Last Post and a minute’s silence.
This year marks the 98th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). The Remembrance Round is an initiative of the Football Federation Australia (FFA), the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Returned and Services League (RSL).
Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said Remembrance Day commemorates not only those who were killed in the First World War, but all those who have served since then in wars, on peacekeeping missions and conducting humanitarian operations.
“Remembrance Day is a day for all Australians to take a moment and reflect on the cost of our freedom, including the physical and psychological sacrifice of those who serve,” VADM Griggs said.
“The commemorative activities at A-League matches will also help acknowledge the ADF’s current operations.
“Approximately 2,300 ADF members are currently deployed in many countries around the world serving Australia’s national interests, and it is important for them to know that we at home acknowledge their ongoing efforts.”
The Remembrance Round will support the RSL’s Poppy Appeal. The Poppy Appeal logo will be on all A-League club playing shirts and poppies will be available for sale at all A-League venues.
Remembrance Round:
Thursday 10 November – Melbourne City FC v Newcastle Jets (Melbourne)
Friday 11 November – Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar (Adelaide)
Saturday 12 November – Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix (Canberra) – double header with W-League game: Canberra United v Melbourne City.
Saturday 12 November – Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers (Melbourne)
Sunday 13 November – Sydney FC v Perth Glory (Sydney) – double header with W-League game: Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
