Tom Kelly of Murrumbateman knows the price of war all too well. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 25 years and saw many servicemen and women lose their lives.
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Australia paid a heavy price for its involvement in the First World War.
- Yass RSL Sub-Branch president Neil Turner
On Monday, November 11 he joined more than 100 people at the cenotaph in front of Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall to honour the fallen as part of national Remembrance Day commemorations.
"It's one of those things you never forget," Mr Kelly said.
He considered himself one of the lucky ones to have never been in conflict.
"I've been to just about every area that we have activity in but thank God, no conflict," Mr Kelly said.
Many stories like Mr Kelly's were shared by others at the Yass service.
Rodney and Maureen Hollow were travelling from Tallong to Dubbo but stopped in Yass to take part in the service.
Mr Hollow served in Vietnam and said the friends he lost were front of mind at the service.
Sat next to the Hollows was Robert Anderson of Yass who wore an Army cap in honour of his uncle.
He knows of those more fortunate in war time, including his uncle, his uncle's brother who served in the Air Force and his father who served in the Navy.
"They all went away but came home," Mr Anderson said.
The Yass service was held at 10.45am by the Yass Returned and Services League Sub-Branch.
There was a minute's silence and bugler Edward Alley sounded The Last Post and Reveille.
Everyone joined in hymn for The Recessional and The National Anthem.
Speakers included Yass RSL Sub-Branch honorary secretary John Heggart and president Neil Turner.
"This year marks the anniversary of the end of World War One. Australia paid a heavy price for its involvement in the First World War in terms of lives lost and casualties. More than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner. The First World War had a significant impact on our country and that is still felt today," Mr Turner said.
Reverend Judy Heggart read prayers and the service was followed by wreath laying and hanging poppies on the cenotaph.
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