They went from here. The men who volunteered to fight for their country and for the Empire one hundred years ago.

And the women who served in dangerous situations to support and care for survivors.

Most of those who went to war were simple people, with little knowledge of the world. To volunteer to fight for 'King and Country' was to be a great adventure.

How different it all was to their expectations when they entered the maelstrom of war.

There was little glory in the brutality and carnage of battle. Yet they performed bravely and gave their lives for the ideal of freedom and justice.

Today we wonder why it was necessary for them to sacrifice their lives in such an inhuman way.

Many of a generation of young men were lost because of the stupid, unreal ambitions of European leaders of the time.

While in hindsight we deplore the flawed political decisions which brought this about, we can take pride in the bravery and commitment of the men and women of our district.

This week will mark the Centenary of Anzac and we seek to express special remembrance of them, the men and women who carved a special place in world history.

They were ours, and we respectfully commemorate their service and sacrifice.