United across nations by remembrance

For one minute, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, daily routines stop as communities pause to remember those who served and sacrificed in conflicts around the world.

In a moment that transcends borders, we honour the millions of men and women from Allied and Commonwealth nations who stood together in times of conflict and war. 

For veterans who have served under other flags before making Australia home, that act of remembrance carries a special meaning.

Devon Matsalla on deployment in Afghanistan (first image) and Haiti (second image) with the Canadian Armed Forces

From family legacy to the frontlines 

Lieutenant Colonel Devon Matsalla has worn the uniforms of two nations. A veteran of both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force, his military career has taken him from peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, and combat deployments in Afghanistan, to humanitarian missions in Haiti.  

Inspired by his grandfather, a World War II veteran, Devon began his military journey in the Army Cadets. 

"When I was young, Remembrance Day was the one time of year that Grampa would put on his old uniform and I would march with him, full of pride," he remembers. 

Following deployments overseas, the day took on a deeper significance. 

"No one should feel like a bystander during Remembrance Day," he explains.  

"It's an occasion for Australians, Canadians and all our allies and partners to appreciate and celebrate the peaceful and prosperous society that we enjoy today."  

Michael (second from the right) at the Peninsula Barracks Rifle Depot in Winchester in 1967; Michael at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph in Maroochydore today.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Michael Kent served in the British Army between 1964 and 1979, with postings across Europe, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Hong Kong.  

Military service was woven into his family history, with generations of relatives serving in conflicts stretching from the Crimean War through to World War II. 

For Michael, remembrance is about people, not place.  

"It's the fact that we remember those who served and gave their lives," he says.  

"My grandfathers in the trenches of World War I, my father in World War II, and all our brothers in arms who did their duty when called."

Admiral Travis Sinniah during his time in the Sri Lanka Navy

For Admiral Travis Sinniah, he dedicated 37 years to the Sri Lanka Navy after joining as an officer cadet in 1981. Also inspired by his father, a doctor in the then Royal Ceylon Navy, he describes service as a calling 

More than two-thirds of his career was spent during the Sri Lankan Civil War. As Flag Officer Commanding the Navy Fleet, he was the officer in tactical command during Operation Sagara Balaya, before going on to command the Sri Lanka Navy from 2017 until his retirement. 

For Travis, Remembrance Day honours friends, fellow service personnel and those under his command who died or were wounded in action. 

"Warriors must be remembered because they gave their all for the nation they served," he says. "The bravery and courage they showed, and the pain some of them endured, is almost beyond belief." 

He believes remembrance reaches beyond national borders: "Those who serve are bound by the same values and traditions, whatever flag they serve under." 

Though Travis, Devon and Michael may have different experiences, backgrounds and histories, Remembrance Day unites them through one universal truth – remembrance is ultimately about the people. 

Remembrance transcends borders 

For veterans who served overseas before making Australia home, Remembrance Day is a powerful reminder that their service and sacrifice are recognised beyond their native country. 

After moving to Australia in 2019, and transferring to the Australian Defence Force, Devon found a natural connection between the two countries. 

"Having lived in Canada and Australia, and served in both Armies, I genuinely see them as extensions of each other, not separate entities," he says.  

He believes Canadians can feel at home during Australian commemorations because the values underpinning them are shared. 

"When Canadians celebrate Remembrance Day, they are inclusive of all the allies that have fought alongside them in past conflicts. The same is true of Australians when they commemorate ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day."  

For Michael, being embraced by Australia's veteran community provided vital support during a difficult period. 

"Being welcomed by Australian veterans was a breath of fresh air for me," he explains. 

"Knowing that they understood what I’d experienced really helped me through that period of my life.”

Michael reflects on the importance of Remembrance Day at Cotton Tree Cenotaph in Maroochydore

Travis also values that connection. Having served alongside Australians and personnel from many nations, he describes recognition in Australia as humbling. 

"To be recognised by a nation that is not the one I wore the uniform for is a great honour," he says. "I accept it on behalf of everyone I served beside, especially those who did not come home." 

For Travis, Australia’s observance of Remembrance Day sends a powerful message: "When a nation stops, falls silent and remembers not only its own but also those of its allies, it says that sacrifice has no borders." 

A reminder for future generations 

All three veterans believe Remembrance Day remains as important as ever. 

For Devon, commemoration is a safeguard against complacency. 

"War causes so much destruction and terror,” he says. “Remembrance Day reminds us not to repeat the mistakes of our past."  

He hopes it inspires greater peace, understanding and cooperation across cultures and borders.  

Asked how his generation should be remembered, Michael’s answer is simple: "We did our duty." 

Travis hopes younger generations carry forward gratitude and the values of service. 

"The freedoms we enjoy today were defended by people who gave up their own," he says.  

"Courage, discipline and integrity cannot be taken for granted – they must be passed on – and Remembrance Day is one way we can do that."