One hundred years ago at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month a document was signed, bringing with it the end of World War I. It was a historic moment that was meant to be the end of the "war to end all wars".

It wasn't to be and the one minutes silence this morning pays tribute to the thousands of Australians who have fought and died in all the wars that followed World War One.

By the time the guns were silenced, more than 9 million combatants had been killed - including 60,000 Australians.

While these men and women may not be marching to war, Australia still sends men and women overseas to put their lives in danger for the sake of others.

It was a different world. It was a different war. And it was supposed to be the war to end all wars. But while the signing of the armistice recalls a war that has since passed into the pages of history [Australia now retains no living links to World War I], the significance of Remembrance Day remains.

This year was marked by an extra special occasion, with the re-enactment of the Coo-ee march travelling along the roads that those bound for war travelled all those years ago.

Today the re-enactment marchers will march into Sydney to attend the Remembrance Day service at Martin Place.

While these men and women may not be marching to war, Australia still sends men and women overseas to put their lives in danger for the sake of others.

So honouring the sacrifice of those who serve is as much a part of Australia's present as its past.

And that's why we will stop at 11am.

Lest we forget.