At the The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the deafening noise of gunfire on the Western Front stopped and silence descended after more than four years continuous combat.

Bournda’s Marion Brunning reflected on the horrors that lead to that day, a war that left between nine and 13 million people dead.

“Today means honouring all those who dropped everything they were doing and left their loved ones to fight for freedom, democracy and what they believed in,” she said.

“They did a job they thought they should do.”

Kevin Sheehan also reflected on the horrors of the Western Front battle lines.

“Today is about remembering the heroes of Australia who died to make this a better country,” he said.

“Particularly in the First World War.. that was terrible.”

Bega’s John Pruskocki didn’t have relatives in either World War but said it is important for the nation to spend time with people who did, and to learn from their experiences.

“The big thing is to remember people and their sacrifices,” he said.

During the 11am minute long silence each year Bega’s Brian Cairns remembers two of his uncles killed in World War 2.

“One was killed needlessly in an unnecessary campaign in New Guinea,” he said.

“I think more people should think about the reason for a day like today.

“Think about the futility of war and that there is nothing to be gained from it, but unfortunately it is sometimes necessary to retain freedom and liberty and to stop tyrants.

“Freedom is important for us to live in a society where we contribute to and enjoy all that we hold dear, including our family.

“That is why we commemorate things like this.

“The ode finishes with ‘lest we forget’ and we must not forget.”

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