Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has paid tribute to Australians who served their country and those who never returned home, marking Remembrance Day on Wednesday, 11 November.
In her Remembrance Day 2026 statement, Wilson honoured the courage and sacrifice of generations of Australians who answered the call to serve, describing them as “ordinary Australians who showed extraordinary courage”.
She reflected on the men and women who left behind their families, friends and communities to serve their country, often without knowing whether they would ever return.
“Too many never did,” Wilson said.
She noted that behind every name on a war memorial was a life lost, a family forever changed and a community that continued to feel the impact of that sacrifice.
Wilson said Remembrance Day was an opportunity not only to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also to honour veterans who returned home carrying the wounds of war, both visible and invisible.
She also acknowledged the families who waited for loved ones, worried about their safety, endured loss and have carried their memories through generations.
Across Victoria, communities from regional towns to the heart of Melbourne are gathering to pay their respects to those who served.
Wilson said the occasion remained important because the peace Australians enjoy, the freedoms they cherish and the country they call home came at an enormous cost.
“We owe those who served more than our gratitude,” she said.
“We owe them a commitment to never take those freedoms for granted, and to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect them.”
Australians will observe a minute of silence at 11am on Remembrance Day to remember those who lost their lives in service, honour veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices made to protect the nation.
Wilson concluded her statement with the traditional words of remembrance: “Lest we forget.”
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