At 11am on November 11, 1918, the guns finally fell silent across the Western Front. After four years of terrible fighting, the First World War’s armistice had begun, and families everywhere dared to hope their loved ones might come home.

Imagine the relief of hearing that the fighting was over.

On November 11, 1918, an armistice between Germany and the Allies came into effect at 11am, bringing an end to the fighting on the Western Front.

Across Europe, people poured into the streets to celebrate. But for families who had lost sons, husbands, brothers and fathers, the news brought memories of those who would never return.

Australia had paid an enormous price.

More than 60,000 Australians died during or as a result of their service in the First World War, and many thousands more returned home carrying wounds that would affect them for the rest of their lives.

Why we stop at eleven

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month became a moment of remembrance.

In 1919, King George V called for two minutes of silence across the British Empire on the first anniversary of the armistice.

An Australian journalist and former soldier, Edward George Honey, had proposed five minutes of silence earlier that year to honour those who died. Around the same time, South African statesman Sir Percy Fitzpatrick put forward a similar idea.

The two-minute silence became an enduring tradition.

Originally known as Armistice Day, the occasion became Remembrance Day after the Second World War, broadening its purpose to honour those who served and suffered in subsequent conflicts.

Today, Australians pause for one minute at 11am to remember those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

For many, the red poppy remains its most recognisable symbol, recalling the flowers that grew on the battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

And on this November 11, 108 years after the guns fell silent, that minute of reflection still carries enormous meaning.

A Melbourne landmark’s special anniversary

November 11 also holds a special place in Melbourne’s history.

On this day in 1934, the Shrine of Remembrance was officially opened by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, before a crowd of approximately 300,000 people.

Built to honour Victorians who served in the First World War, the Shrine remains one of Australia’s most important places of remembrance.

Born on this day

Hollywood star Demi Moore turns 64 today. Many readers will remember her opposite Patrick Swayze in the 1990 romantic drama Ghost.

Stanley Tucci, known for The Devil Wears Prada and Julie & Julia, celebrates his 66th birthday.

And Leonardo DiCaprio, whose films include Titanic and The Great Gatsby, turns 52.

Do you remember?

Did your parents or grandparents share stories about family members who served during wartime? We’d love to hear about the people your family remembers today.