Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch marked Remembrance Day with a tribute to the youth of today.

Tuesday’s service at the Gunnedah Cenotaph honoured the men and women who have served and sacrificed their life for Australia.

Originally held in recognition of the Armistice following World War I in 1918, Remembrance Day now acknowledges all conflicts past and present.

Sub-branch president Anthony Adams was unable to attend the service this year in Gunnedah but penned a keynote address read by secretary Jan Commins.

“From Gallipoli and the Western Front to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions around the world, Australians have stood for freedom, for mateship, and for one another,” part of the address read.

“For veterans, today brings pride and sometimes pain.

“For families, it brings love, pride, and remembrance.

“For young Australians, it brings understanding and responsibility.

“To carry the torch of remembrance forward.

“Freedom is never free. And sacrifice remains the estranged cost of peace.

“That’s why, together, we say, lest we forget.”

The Gunnedah service also included prayers read by the Salvation Army’s Peter Hall, Ode for the Fallen read by sub-branch vice president John Atkin.

Wreaths were laid by various members of the community and local organisations.

Gunnedah Public School pupils Nicola Sawyer and Alex Hemstead were among those to lay a wreath at the cenotaph.

The Last Post and Reveille were played by bugler Laurence Rowe, followed by the Benediction by Peter Hall.

The sub-branch thanked all who attended the Remembrance Day service in Gunnedah, and in doing so, helped to continue the same traditions that have been acknowledged for generations in the local community.

“To all who joined us here today, our veterans, families, dignitaries, students, and community members, thank you for taking the time to remember,” Mr Adams’ address read.

“Your presence is more than symbolic, it is an act of gratitude and respect.

“It ensures the service and sacrifice of all Australians who wore the uniform will never fade into history.”

Following the service, the RSL sub-branch hosted lunch at Club Gunnedah for members and their guests.