This was a significant moment.

The fact that one full century after the guns fell silent.

We still pause and remember those who gave their lives is testament to our society.

Australia was still a young and developing nation when World War I broke out but we had no hesitation in supporting Britain.

In fact, there was enthusiasm to be part of the war effort.

There was nothing glamorous about the War.

The soldiers were forced to endure horrific conditions and for Australia the First World War remains the most costly in terms of deaths and casualties.

More than 60,000 men never returned, from the country’s population of less than five million.

While a further 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.

According to figures from the Australian War Memorial.

The First World War was known as “the war to end all wars”.

This proved to be optimistic at best, as World War II took place just 21 years later.

However, both wars should serve as a lesson for us never to forget and to strive for peace at all times.

We come together on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and others not to glorify war.

But to recognize our brave Australian servicemen and women who served us all so dearly in a time of great need.

The fact is that their selfless actions and sacrifices led to a characterisation that even now, one century on, continues to be our unbreakable national identity.

100 years later we are reminded that their courage, their selflessness, and sacrifice resonated not only throughout the world, but also throughout time.

Through the many new generations of Australians to come.

Dubbo is intrinsically linked to Australia’s war effort, with countless young men and women heading off for foreign shores, with many never to return.

That is why Dubbo Regional Council, and previously Dubbo City Council, has always been so committed to installing monuments to recognise the efforts.

I saw no reason for it to be any different this time around.

I think the two plinths Council had installed in Victoria Park are a fitting gesture to mark 100 years since the end of the conflict.

Those brave men and women from our country and community that served in the past and present.

I am pleased to be part of a Council that places importance on recognizing Australian soldiers who took part in armed combat, and in particular those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of their country.

A look at Victoria Park shows just how seriously Dubbo takes this.

In addition to our fantastic Cenotaph we have a number of installations including the Memorial Walk, which was installed for the Centenary of Anzac, and the Vietnam veterans’ monument.

It was fantastic to see so many people at Victoria Park on Sunday.

It’s not just the older generations but the younger people as well that have embraced the tradition and will continue to honour the Anzac legacy.

Not only do we reflect on those who have gone to wars in the past.

We also recognize those who are overseas and in our armed forces at present, fighting for the freedoms and lifestyle that we all enjoy.

In remembering these men and women we ensure that we will recognize that our peace and freedom that have required a sacrifice in the past, and the present.

We should also not let what we have forged through the Anzac Spirit to be lost to the indifferent or the lack of responsibility.  

Lest we Forget.