Commencing with the Dawn Service at the top of town where 200 people attended. The format included speeches, bagpipe, Woodenbong Central School choir and a team of six firing three shots from WW1 and WW2 rifles. Concluding with a Gunfire Breakfast at the Woodenbong Hotel.

The day started with a flyover by the RAAF Amberley based ‘Super Hornet’ followed by the march which included loved ones of those lost, Diggers, ex Forces Personnel, members of the Police, Woodenbong Rural Fire Brigade, WCS school children, members of the public, and headed by a contingent of RAAF Amberley Air Force Base Personnel from 1 Squadron, and culminated at the Woodenbong Public Hall where the crowd showed their respect and offered prayers.

All welcomed by chairman of the event, David Hannant, who followed with the Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer for the Queen, Prayer of the Nation. Guest speakers Tom and Lynette Downham and Mark Ellem spoke of their Memorial Trip to Greece and Crete following in their Father’s footsteps.

There was a photo slideshow showing six local mates – Alan and Don Maloney, Harry Downham and Ron Ellem all of Woodenbong and Finn Stubbings and Cec Small of Urbenville – who enlisted together and faced the wrath of War. Other photos included past and present members of all the forces with a Tribute to those who served in the Afghanistan conflict.

After the service many reformed to march to the Memorial Gates at Woodenbong Central School where wreaths were laid. The crowd dispersed, up to the RSL Hall for a very welcome lunch followed by Two-Up and entertainment at the Woodenbong Hotel and others wended their way home, all of them with mixed feelings of sadness of so many lives lost and pride in their courage.

Because of their action we enjoy the freedom and security that we sometimes take for granted. ‘Lest We Forget’.