Taree RSL Sub-branch’s Ted Hill believes the 2018 event, marking the 100^th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I, was the reason for the large attendance.

A highlight was the slow march by members of the 317 Squadron Taree Air Force Cadets accompanied by piper John Andrews from Manning Pipes and Drum.

The cadets assisted with the laying of 11 crosses, marking Sub-branch members who had died this year. They were Bruce Mackie, Ronald Ipsen, Paul James Magnussen, William Bill Birrell, Peter John Burke, Gordon William Lamb, James Donald Sinclair, Andrew Jenkins, Donald William Macinnis OAM, Carl Lewis Alling and Lewis William Bridge.

Mayor David West presented the address, saying, “At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of this the eleventh month we pause for the 100th time to remember that from a nation with a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 mostly very young Australians.

“Volunteers who enlisted to pursue and uphold democratic freedoms.

“They faced the terror of modern mechanised warfare that left a nation mourning the more than 62,000 souls, who would never see the sun rise over their free Australia ,and communities struggling to cope with the 156,000 troops that returned home still suffering the trauma of being gassed or wounded.

“Today we also remember that more than 125,000 Australian military personnel have paid the ultimate price and the countless number whose lives, were and are now, forever changed in the cause of freedom through all wars.

“At no time in history has Australia had as great an impact on international affairs as we did in 1918.

“Australia they said had come of age It was the year of victory, borne from deeds of unrecognised heroism, through battles to numerous to count, bathed in tragedy, heralding a bittersweet sigh of relief, felt around the world for peace.

“In the years since, men and women who put themselves forward to defend their country have known sacrifice just as great.

“It is our duty to guard the legacy of the sacrifice and service of every man and woman who defends us, our freedoms and our values.

“On their return to Australia and to their families, we must ensure that the values and principles they fought to defend are not eroded through apathy or ignorance, that we are committed to the ongoing support of those who bear physical and psychological wounds as a result of their service to our nation and to the families who love and support them.

“Today we remember the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have fought in wars, people, just like us doing the bidding of their government in a search of whatever that government commands.

“18 million deaths, 23 million wounded- the impossible cost of the war to end all wars.

“The loss, devastation and tragedy of World War I remains with us a century after it came to an end.

“Lest We Forget- three words, an unbreakable promise from a grateful nation bathed in the glow of freedom through sacrifice.  

“Lest we forget.