Hundreds of Western Australians gathered at the State War Memorial in Kings Park this Tuesday for a deeply moving Remembrance Day ceremony, joining the nation in pausing to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Solemn Tribute Overlooking Perth
The service, attended by a mix of current and former servicemen and women, as well as the general public, was held on 11 November 2025, marking 107 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918. The proceedings commenced with a dramatic flyover by an RAAF jet, capturing the attention of all present.
Overlooking the city of Perth, the State War Memorial was adorned with a powerful visual symbol: a striking sea of thousands of hand-knit red poppies. Each poppy served as a poignant representation of an Australian life lost in battle.
Dignitaries and Veterans Unite in Reflection
The ceremony saw a significant turnout of state dignitaries, including WA Governor Chris Dawson, Premier Roger Cook, Opposition Leader Basil Zemplias, and City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds. They stood alongside veterans and families to pay their respects.
RSL WA chief executive Stephen Barton addressed the crowd, emphasising the broader significance of the day. "Today, we commemorate not just the sacrifice of Australians in the Great War, but in all wars and conflicts in the life of our Nation," Mr Barton said. He highlighted the fragility of democracy and the price paid for its preservation, adding, "Australia has never fought alone. We have made the causes of our Commonwealth kin and allies our own... we also remember too, their sacrifices."
A Veteran's Personal Connection
The traditional wreath-laying ceremony and a Prayer of Remembrance were followed by the haunting sound of the Last Post. A profound minute's silence then fell across Kings Park, observed by hundreds of bowed heads.
For ex-army serviceman Christopher Perry, attending the service is a deeply personal annual tradition. "We can’t forget their sacrifice or we risk history repeating itself," Mr Perry stated, sharing that his great-grandfather and grandfather had also served. He described the day as a way to honour his family and a reminder of the precious cost of the freedoms enjoyed today.
Having retired from service almost 12 years ago, Mr Perry finds healing in the communal act of remembrance. "It’s healing for me to be here around people who know what it’s like," he said, noting that the public turnout reinforces the importance and meaning of service to the nation.
