One in four Australians plan to shun an annual commemoration of war veterans as interest from younger generations in the day wanes.

A report from RSL LifeCare has revealed significant generational disparities in how Australians intend to mark Remembrance Day on November 11.

The majority of Australians still believe it’s important to commemorate the day, but 22 per cent of Gen Zs and 28 per cent of millennials say the tradition is outdated.

Baby Boomers are more likely to observe the minute’s silence compared to just more than half of Gen Zs.

RSL LifeCare veteran services manager David Anderson said the research has sparked calls to improve education about veterans affairs for young people.

“We need to be doing a better job of engaging younger Aussies to ensure we continue to honour our veteran community for decades to come,” he said.

Mr Anderson said the research, which showed less than half of Australians know how to support a veteran in their community, revealed a need for greater awareness.

Four in five participants said they would support additional government funding for veterans services.

Remembrance Day services will take place across the country on Saturday, marking 105 years since the end of the first World War.

A national ceremony will take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, which drew a crowd of more than 1000 in 2022.

Services will be held at Martin Place in Sydney and at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

 

Neve Brissenden
(Australian Associated Press)