The following (including one of the most compelling summaries of the Great War ever committed to print) was sent to Australian Tax Office staff this week.

Remembrance Day

2 November 2009

TO: All Operations staff

SUBJECT: Remembrance Day

At 11am on 11 November 1918, four years of continuous warfare ceased as allied armies drove German invaders back after inflicting heavy defeats over the previous four months.

Since then, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has attained a special significance and as a mark of respect it is tradition to observe one minute’s silence.

On 11 November, you are encouraged to keep in your minds those who fought and died for our country. If you wish to observe a moment’s silence you should speak to your manager, allowing them the opportunity to assess the business needs of your area prior to approving your request.

For further information about Remembrance Day you can visit Australia’s cultural portal.

This is presumably why our brave lads made the ultimate sacrifice etc etc etc, so that 90 years later tax office managers could balance 60 seconds’ business needs against moments of national reflection. Oh wait a moment … in news just to hand:

Remembrance Day

4 November 2009

TO: All Operations staff

SUBJECT: Remembrance Day

An article about Remembrance Day was published in KOSI (Edition 10) on Monday 2 November 2009.

We have received feedback that this article may have caused some confusion about staff participation in remembrance ceremonies/events, including taking a minute’s silence.

The article was not in any way intended to imply that requests to mark the Remembrance occasion at 11.00 am on 11 November should be refused. The purpose of the article was to indicate a preference that employees do reflect and remember the sacrifice and suffering that has occurred in all wars.

In some sites there will be corporately-organised ceremonies in Remembrance areas (for example, where an honour roll is housed) or a call for silence may be made over the loudspeaker. However, it is important to note that in Operations many workplaces have ongoing high levels of phone contact with taxpayers that are often generated by taxpayers from other time zones. It is in these workplaces that it is important to discuss with your team leader, ahead of time, how the Remembrance occasion at 11.00am can occur in your particular workplace, so that everyone has an opportunity to reflect and pay their respects.

We apologise for any misunderstanding caused by this article, and reiterate that the intention is to encourage employees to remember and recognise the importance of this special day.

They did not die in vain.