The resilience of Australians during times of suffering was given renewed meaning at the Remembrance Day National Ceremony on Wednesday.
The service at the Australian War Memorial was an intimate affair as coronavirus restrictions meant the public were unable to attend.
Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Daniel Keighran reflected on the collective suffering of Australia throughout history during his commemorative address.
"Wars and pandemics have one very stark thing in common - they do not discriminate by race, gender or by age," he said.
"In the darkest days there is always a glimmer of light found in the mateship, comradeship and loyalty that is at the very core, the essence of all it means to be Australian."
Remembrance Day 2020 marks the 102nd anniversary of the Armistice which brought World War I to an end after four brutal years on November 11, 1918.
Corporal Keighran said a century ago the world was in the throes of the Spanish flu, which claimed the lives of 50 million people, including 12,000 Australians.
"That was on top of a long lasting legacy of Australia's World War I. Of the 420,000 who had served in the war, 213,000 became casualties. Of them some 60,000 had died.
"For a nation with a population of just 4.5 million, World War I cast a long shadow in the decades that followed.
"But through every challenge and the darkest of days, Australia still showed resilience and perseverance, time and again."
A minute's silence was observed to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the defence forces.
Governor-General David Hurley, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Minister Andrew Barr were among the officials to lay a wreath.
Worimi man and Leading Aircraftman Tarryn Roach played the didgeridoo and the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, performed.
All Australians were encouraged to join the commemoration online by posting a virtual poppy and a message on an interactive wall.
The last post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial is open to the public and will begin at 4.55pm.
People will be allowed to pay their respects in the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory during extended opening hours from 5.30pm.
