Australia will never forget those who died in the Victorian bushfires on 7 February.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told a memorial service in Melbourne on Sunday that the nation will pause for a moment's silence every year on that date.
He said the nation's flags will always fly at half mast on 7 February. The day has become known as "Black Saturday".
Governor-General Quentin Bryce said Sunday "was a day of reflection".
At least 209 people died in the bushfires.
