About 300 people attended the Wodonga Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday to honour Australia’s fallen soldiers, and the 45 men from the town who have been into battle.

Wodonga RSL president Kevin Williams opened proceedings as wreath layers and several members of the guard lined the cenotaph.

Kate Johnston delivered In Flanders Fields.

Wodonga mayor Rodney Wangman said the community continued to recognise what happened in the wars.

“Today is about recognising peace occurred,” he said.

“We take time every year to remember the sacrifice.”

Cr Wangman was pleased to see such a strong community presence.

“We had a wonderful turn out again,” he said.

“Wodonga is a defence city and we’ve had close relationships here from the 40s with many defence personnel.”

Cr Wangman said Wodonga was dedicated to such events.

“Wodonga should be proud of itself,” he said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Clare Kellaway said having young people involved was a delight.

“It’s wonderful seeing so many young people paying respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

Several schools participated in the wreath-laying ceremony around the memorial.

Col Kellaway said she hoped it would continue.

“It is part of our Australian identity and an important part of our culture we should take forward,” she said.

Col Kellaway said those who returned did not always bear physical injuries.

“No-one is left un-scarred by the experience of war and conflict,” she said.

“It’s one of the most raw and damaging experiences anyone can have going on deployment,” she said.

Wangaratta RSL president Warren Garrett said at least 500 people, including from all primary and secondary schools, attended the city’s Remembrance Day service.

“I was very impressed with the number of young people there,” he said.

“It’s important that young people have the opportunity to see what the RSL tries to achieve.”