Their age and experience meant most people gathered would have been touched by war in the past decades. The poignant memories of sacrifice and loss were etched in many of the faces through the room. 

Sue Thomson, CEO of McLean Care opened the ceremony and introduced guest speakers from the Inverell RSL Sub Branch: vice president Pat McMahon and secretary Graeme Clinch.

Mr McMahon spoke about looking after our solders that return home damaged and haunted by conflict.

Mr Clinch related a personal account of a tragic battle in Vietnam, and asked the questions about the humans and economic cost of war.

Macintyre High School students Emily and Jasmine Richter and Rachel Wiedemann led the Prayers of Thanksgiving, for the Queen and the Nation. 

Shayne Bernard, finance manager of McLean took the gathering through ‘Let Us Make Commemoration for the Fallen’, and resident Mavis Tozer recited the moving poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McRae.

Resident and Second World War veteran Bob Gannon was helped to the stone to lay a wreath for the servicemen. He was followed by fellow resident Sister Marie Watling who laid a second wreath, commemorating nurses.

Those who were able stood for the bugle, played by Lee Evans as he sounded the Last Post and the Rouse after the minute of silence.

Throughout the ceremony, the McLean Community Singers led the people in hymns and the national anthem.

Mr McMahon returned to the podium to recite ‘The Ode’.

Ms Thomson closed the ceremony, thanking those who contributed. She also extended thanks to Inverell resident Col Parker who looked after Australian Flag which stood at the traditional half-mast for the commemoration, in honour and respect for the fallen and the returned.