Australia remembers lost soldiers in WWI on Remembrance Day

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Australia stood in solemn silence in remembrance of lost soldiers in World War One (WWI).

Almost 62,000 Australians were killed in the battlefields of WWI in early 20th century and 155,000 others injured.

"Friday's remembrance carries with it a special message: think of those who have returned, who are suffering the mental anguish of engaging in conflict, those who "don't leave those battlefields behind... (who) bring the battles home with them," Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett said.

"They carry with them excess baggage of fear, stress, anger and nightmares, which if not addressed, can lead to anxiety, depression and, sadly, even suicide."

Australia is implementing new policies and programs to help returned servicemen and women cope with the mental stress of battle.

Remembrance Day is a memorial day mainly observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of WWI to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

Later on Friday evening Sydney's Iconic Opera House will be lit with growing poppies. The red poppy was the first plant to grow on the European battlefields of the Great War, later becoming a symbol of the blood that was shed by fallen solders seeping into the ground. Endit