Remembrance Day: former Prime Minister John Howard to speak at Canberra War Memorial Anniversary ... today's ceremony marks 100 years since the First World War began. AUSTRALIAN troops currently heading into Iraq stand on the shoulders of the Anzacs, John Howard has told the National Remembrance Day ceremony. Giving the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the former Prime Minister paid tribute to the country's war dead as well as the current crop of soldiers fighting the Islamic State. Honouring the fallen ... John Howard gives his address outside the Australian War Memorial. Today's ceremony marks the 96th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. This year also marks 100 years since the First World War began. Mr Howard said the latest mission is one driven by the "sense of horror and outrage" that Australians from "all walks of life" feel about the militants "obscene behaviour." "As we contemplate that mission and we understand the extraordinary heroism that will be involved and the great professional valour that will be accompanying the men and women of the Australian Defence Force as they go on their task, let us remember that they stand on the shoulders of their Anzac forebears," he said. Remembering them ... today's ceremony marks the 96th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Source: Supplied They carry in their mission the same values of this country as did their forebears. Mr Howard's address comes hours after Tony Abbott confirmed Australian Special Forces are entering Iraq to advise local forces. "That's happening," the Prime Minister said, following his meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the APEC summit in China. Last night the name of the latest Australian to die in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey was added to the Roll of Honour at the memorial. Respect and honour ... the national service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. His sacrifice "stands equal" to all those lost before him, Mr Howard said. We recognise in equal measure the contribution and the sacrifice no matter what the conflict may have been. Let us remember that very, very important lesson. Mr Howard told the audience there was no "hierarchy of sacrifice of Australia's war dead." "We honour two things, first and foremost, the extraordinary sacrifice (of those) who died in defence of this country," Mr Howard said. We also honour those who go to war to defend the vulnerable and the values for which this country has always stood. Extraordinary heroism ... former PM John Howard delivers the commemorative address in Canberra. Mr Howard said Australia "had never sought to be an aggressor." The former PM said Australian troops currently heading into Iraq stand on the shoulders of the Anzacs. Lest we forget ... schoolkids look the memorial wall covered in poppies at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Originally published as Remembrance Day: we salute them