Remembrance Day in Goulburn attracted one of the largest crowds ever, with more than 100 people attending the annual commemoration.
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Among them were father and son, Donald and Grant Thomson, there to remember the sacrifice of their father and grandfather, John Thomson.
Originally from Scotland, John joined up for World War One, serving in the Queens Own Cameroon Highlanders and then the Royal London fusiliers.
He was captured and spent six months working in coal mines on the border of Germany and Poland, his son said.
"He hardly saw daylight for all that time," Don said.
John was also decorated for his actions at Mont Saint Quentin in France, the medal being among those worn by his son and the replicas adorning his grandson's chest.
The serviceman was rehabilitated at Swedish Hospital.
The experience did not deter John from enlisting in World War Two, this time in the 6th Division's 2/3rd Battalion. He served in the Middle East and Crete and was rescued by a submarine on an island off Crete.
"When he came home, he said 'och, laddy, I've been off killing Japanese," his son said.
Ranks at the Belmore Park commemoration, led by Goulburn RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade, were bolstered by a large contingent of Goulburn High School students.
Captain Charlotte Hargan delivered the address which was also included in the format for the first time. The day marks the signing of the Armistice at the end of World War One.
"For the last 100 years we have gathered on this day to commemorate the lives lost defending our way of life," she told the crowd.
"It has had many names across the years and across the world, Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, but the call for peace and to never forget the tragic loss of life is universal."
Miss Hargan said Remembrance Day had always been important one to her, particularly given her father's Navy service, but it also meant a great deal in a wider sense. She said she was lucky not to have been exposed to war and attending Remembrance Day was just one way of thanking those who served.
"As I've gotten older, I have started to grasp the importance of peace a little better," Miss Hargan said.
"To put things in perspective, next year most of the males in my year will reach the age of 18, the age of enlistment. In World War One, statistically two in five men enlisted; this means 16 of my fellow classmates would have served, two would not have come home. That is not a reality I ever wish to experience, which is why peace and remembering is so important to me."
Mr Wade said it was also important to remember those who didn't serve but stayed at home to support defence personnel.
Goulburn Army Cadets also participated in the commemoration, as did The Reverend Norm Wakefield, who recited the prayer.
Louise Taylor, representing Hume MP Angus Taylor, Jim Picker, on behalf of Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Mayor Bob Kirk, the RSL Sub Branch, Goulburn National Serviceman's Association, Goulburn Legacy, Goulburn High School students and members of the community were among those who laid wreaths.
Afterwards, Sub Branch secretary Mal Ritchie said he was buoyed by the attendance, which was up on the average 70-strong crowd.
"The High School contacted me last week, asking to be involved, and we were only too happy to include them. We asked them to deliver the main address," he said.
"...The Sub Branch is very proud of the community support we get."
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