Branch president Stuart Johnson addressed the well-supported ceremony with a heart-felt speech to remember those men and women who made the greatest sacrifice – enduring combat so others would never have to.

“On this day above all days we recall those who, in the great tragedy of war, gave their lives for Australia and for the freedom of mankind,” Mr Johnson said in his speech.

“We think of every man, woman and child who, in those crucial years, died so that the lights of freedom and humanity continue to shine. May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.”

Garth McIlwain, awarded Commander of the British Empire for his service in New Guinea and the South Pacific, was invited to lay a wreath to remember all who have fallen.

Minister Charlie Pass gave the morning’s sermon and a special audio-tribute of the John McCrae war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’  was spoken by a descendant of one of Taylors Arm’s own fallen soldiers – who have been immortalised in white crosses.

The hand-made commemorative white crosses made by students from Taylors Arm Medlow Public School, represented many of the local soldiers who fought and died at war. The lovingly-made crosses displayed many local names and each featured a hand-drawn military rising sun – showing just how much effort and detail went into the students’ commemorative work.

Following the ceremony, the sub-branch treated dawn service guests to a hot breakfast of local bacon, sausages and local Welsh’s eggs at the Pub With No Beer. Publican Wade Clarke was on hand to pour the traditional rum and milk – a welcome drink to warm the heart and the belly as the rain started to bucket down outside.

The day service at Taylors Arm will take place at 1.30pm with cadets coming from Coffs Harbour to attend. Everyone is welcome to take part in the parade.

For those who left, never to return. For those that have left, never to return the same. Lest we forget.