Beyond the Silence: Standing Beside Veterans and their Families

Michelle (centre) at the Defence Shining Pianist Inaugural Concert, Conawarra Navy Base Officers' Mess

As Australians pause to remember those who served and sacrificed, Soldier On’s 2026 Remembrance Day appeal shines a light on the veterans, serving personnel and families who continue to carry the impact of military life.

At 11am on 11 November, Australians will pause for a minute’s silence to remember those who served our country and honour those who gave their lives.

For many veterans and their families, Remembrance Day carries deeply personal meaning. It is a time to remember mates, reflect on sacrifice and acknowledge the lasting impact of military service.

It is also an opportunity to recognise the partners, children and families whose experiences can remain largely unseen.

This Remembrance Day, national not-for-profit organisation Soldier On is asking Australians to stand beside those families and help ensure members of the Defence community can access support when they need it.

Michelle’s story

At the heart of Soldier On’s 2026 Remembrance Day appeal is Michelle, whose husband serves in the Royal Australian Navy.

When Michelle relocated to Australia with her husband, she faced the challenge of building an entirely new life without her established support networks.

Military life brought frequent relocations and the need to repeatedly start again. Over time, Michelle became increasingly isolated and began to lose her confidence and sense of belonging. Even ordinary, everyday tasks started to feel overwhelming.

“I felt like a useless person. Why did I come here?” Michelle recalls.

Her experience reflects the challenges many Defence partners and families can face as they adapt to change while supporting their loved ones through the demands of military service.

For families separated from familiar communities, careers and support systems, finding meaningful connection can make an important difference.

Supporting the Defence community

Soldier On provides mentoring, social connection, employment assistance and wellbeing services to current serving Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.

Its programs are designed to help members of the Defence community build confidence, strengthen relationships, find employment and education opportunities and improve their overall wellbeing.

Funds raised through the Remembrance Day appeal will help sustain this work, connecting people with support and reminding them that they do not have to navigate the challenges of military life alone.

Soldier On CEO Paul Singer said Remembrance Day offered an opportunity to honour the past while also recognising the needs of today’s Defence community.

“We remember those who served and sacrificed, but we must also recognise the families who continue to live with the impact of service.

“Remembrance is not only about the minute of silence on 11 November. It is also about how we support veterans, serving personnel and their families throughout the year.

“Through this campaign, Australians can help ensure people in our Defence community know they are not alone.”

This Remembrance Day, Soldier On is inviting Australians to honour service and sacrifice by standing beside the people whose lives continue to be shaped by military service.

To support Soldier On’s 2026 Remembrance Day appeal, make a donation or learn more about its work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.