Is the 11th November commemorated at Oz airports?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Melburnian1

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 7, 2013
Posts
24,673
Is due heed paid at 1100 on (this year Monday) 11 November at Australia's airports by staff and passengers in observing a minute's silence?

For any AFFers who don't know about this, here's a summary:


I've never been at an airport at that time on that day.
 
I don't think so, and not withstanding the seriousness and appropriateness of the commemoration, I personally don't think airports and those there need to make the observation. The lack of reflection by a hurrying public would only diminish any observance.
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

I don't think so, and not withstanding the seriousness and appropriateness of the commemoration, I personally don't think airports and those there need to make the observation. The lack of reflection by a hurrying public would only diminish any observance.

A rare occasion when I disagree with you. It's not much to expect people to stop and reflect for 60 seconds, although (as always) foreigners may not understand 'why.' But latter applies if I'm overseas, yet if I'm asked to stand still and reflect or pray, I will as 'when in Rome...' is a good maxim.
 
I’ve heard PA announcements at SYD international some years ago asking for a minute’s silence. But not ideal to hold up queues etc in that environment, significant as Nov 11 is. I think it’s similar to being on the road - you wouldn’t get of your car and hold up traffic for the occasion, however if you get strongly about observing it you could try to avoid flying/driving/travelling at that time.
 
I feel like I've noticed it observed before, but maybe this question has simply come up before.
It's not much to expect people to stop and reflect for 60 seconds
That's a divisive topic that's difficult to argue. Every year I will wear multiple pins on my lapel at different times, rosemary on 25/4, poppy on 11/11, red ribbon on 1/12 etc... but I don't believe that if I can't stop what I am doing I am not showing respect.
 
I saw VA is doing Christmas decorations already and nothing from Qantas.
Remembering the date 11th November remains important to many of us but stopping an airport operation is very difficult.
 
I think that Anzac Day has sort-of filled the space, in Australia, that Remembrance Day has elsewhere.
I think that’s why the minute’s silence doesn’t happen that often here.
 
Can't say I've ever been in an AU airport on Nov 11.

Somehow, I've always ended up connecting through LHR on Nov 11 for the last few years. They make a big thing about stopping for a minute there.
Not at LHR on the 11th this year, but they did have the poppies out in London on the 5th.
 
Remembrance Day so the Canadian railways say

On November 11, Canadian Pacific pays tribute to the more than 33,000 CP employees who served in the last century's two world wars, and to those who continue to serve today. This tradition continues every year, with every CP locomotive sounding its whistle at 11:01 a.m. local time, if safe to do so, to start a moment of silence
 
I think that Anzac Day has sort-of filled the space, in Australia, that Remembrance Day has elsewhere.

Was going to make the same comment. As ANZAC day has increased in its importance (popularity?) over the years correspondingly Remembrance Day seems to have declined.
 
Last edited:
In the UK 11am on 11/11 was solemnly observed after ww2 but it is now commemorated at 11am on the nearest Sunday.
In the 70s, as a child in the cub scouts, we’d parade to the local war memorial for wreath laying and at 11am the police would stop the traffic on the adjacent road. The motorists would get out of their cars an respectfully stand.
Poppies on lapels in the uk is still a very common sight
 
QF will observe it on all their flights tomorrow at 11am with a PA and minutes slience (where appropriate)

Great, but just as practical to do it at the airport, giving staff and passengers a few minutes' notice so those who can understand English know what's about to occur.

I'm not suggesting aircraft proceeding to a bay need to stop, but those of us queuing for check in at a bag drop or 'agent', and staff, as well as in lounges and general waiting areas could easily stop what they're doing. Is 60 seconds of silence, including switching off devices and not viewing/listening to music/movies/Facebook/Instagram feeds really that difficult?

With a quick look, USA has at least five secular days of commemoration. We are not it, and delightfully different, but from comments above we 'struggle' with two, despite the huge sacrifice - loss of life - that so many men made for us from WWI onwards. I reckon a minute's silence, whether or not one has any religion, and prayer if like the majority one does, is the least we owe these selfless individuals, given that one could suggest if they hadn't lost their lives Oz would be a different place today.
 
Last edited:
I reckon a minute's silence, whether or not one has any religion, and prayer if like the majority one does, is the least we owe these selfless individuals, given that one could suggest if they hadn't lost their lives Oz would be a different place today.
Maybe they’d compare that minute to the entire day on April 25th, and decide April 25th was more important like the rest of us?
 
I think it’s similar to being on the road - you wouldn’t get of your car and hold up traffic for the occasion, however if you get strongly about observing it you could try to avoid flying/driving/travelling at that time.

In central Melbourne they stop all the traffic. or at least they used to. Same in other capitals?
 
Do you feel the same way about those who document history, who might use a camera or camera-phone to record the event taking place?

No, because they're paying respect at an appropriate place - be it Australian War Memorial or wherever there's a ceremony. Such events ought be recorded for posterity and to show one's friends and family.

Why introduce a red herring? 11 November isn't 'divisive' as you implied, it's an occasion to respect our forefathers (not forgetting wonderful contribution of many women as well to various war efforts.)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
Back
Top