This November 11, at the 11th hour, Australians will once again unite in a minute of silence to mark the moment the guns fell silent, ending the First World War in 1918. This solemn tradition, known as Remembrance Day, is a time for the nation to honour all who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
A Resurgence in Commemoration
Participation in Remembrance Day and Anzac Day ceremonies has seen a significant increase since the end of coronavirus restrictions, according to Michael Kelly, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. "In the last few years, we've seen participation increase and a strong return, and very much so, the younger generations," Michael observed. He noted that people from a very young age to their teenage years are gravitating towards these ceremonies, a trend often supported by schools with strong history departments that teach the significance of the poppy and the importance of remembrance.
Uncovering Personal Stories of Sacrifice
For the past 21 years, Michael Kelly has dedicated himself to researching and writing the stories of those who served and their families. His work, driven by research, personal interest, and family requests, is an ongoing commitment to preserve this vital history. "I might stumble across a story I read while doing something else as part of a writing task and find others who lost their lives in service for our country," he explained.
One such story is that of the Furner brothers from the Hunter Valley, which was brought to the Memorial as a family request. This story was later honoured at the Last Post Ceremony, a daily event held in the Commemorative Courtyard 364 days a year. On October 5, the ceremony remembered Private Henry Thomas Furner and Private George Leonard Furner.
The Tragic Tale of the Furner Brothers
The story of the Furner brothers is one of profound loss. Both brothers were killed towards the end of 1917. Henry, aged 27, was severely wounded in the chest and spine by machine-gun fire. His wounds proved mortal, and he died on October 18. Just two days later, on October 20, his brother George, aged 30, was killed instantly when a German shell landed near the dugout he was exiting.
Their personal tragedy began much earlier, with the death of their mother in 1903 when George was 16 and Henry was 14. In the aftermath, the boys grew exceptionally close to their youngest sister, Matilda. Michael Kelly found researching their story deeply moving. "Writing the story of the Furner brothers was highly moving, especially reading the letters; you could see how much those boys doted on their sister," he shared. "It's hard not to become emotional because it means so much." He added that there are over one hundred thousand stories on the roll of honour, each a poignant reminder of service and sacrifice.
As the nation pauses this Remembrance Day, these personal histories underscore the profound cost of conflict and the enduring importance of keeping their memory alive.
