Wreaths were placed at the War Memorial by members of the Returned Service League and Mayor Lilliane Brady. A traditional flag raising ceremony was performed by High School students Robert Williams and Chris Elwell.

President of Cobar’s RSL sub-branch and co-ordinator of last Wednesday’s Remembrance Day service, Joanne Marlan, said November 11 marked the end of World War I during which 416,000 Australians served and more than 60,000 lost their lives.

“At 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns fell silent as hostilities ceased on the Western Front, ending four years of death and destruction,” Ms ** said.

“People celebrated across the world while others reflected with great sadness the extraordinary losses and suffering from many nations.

“More than 60,000 Australians had been killed – more than 45,000 died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and over 8,000 on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey.

“Over 416,000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I of which 324,000 served overseas.”

Mayor Lilliane Brady also called on those present to commemorate and honour those who served their country in two World Wars and in later conflicts and peace keeping operations.

“On this special day, Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to all those that have given up their lives and we stand in awe of their sacrifice,” Mayor Brady said.

“And, to those that have served and are still serving on our own land and overseas to protect our land and our lives.

“We pay tribute to all our servicemen and women and their families and honour and remember them today.”