Quiet and dignified, but for Wodonga RSL president Kevyn Williams, it is also a day to be celebrated. 

Every year, the 11^th of November, at 11 o’clock sharp, one minute of silence is observed to commemorate the guns of the first World War falling silent, the moment hostilities ceased.

For Mr Williams, for all of the day’s significance, he believes it is also a moment worth celebrating.

“What it teaches us is that at the end of the war, there was peace,” he said.

“It’s remembering the signing of the declaration of the end of war – it’s a celebration of the end of hostilities.

“It’s a matter of the importance of that occasion.” 

Mr Williams hosted Sunday morning’s service at Woodland Grove in Wodonga, which was attended by mayor Anna Speedie, representatives for Indi MP Cathy McGowan and Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie, students from local schools and representative from local veterans’ organisations.

More than 200 people attended the service, held under clear skies and with sun shining down on the High St war memorial as wreaths were placed at its foot.

The importance of Remembrance Day, and with it, the focus on conflict coming to an end, was not lost on Mr Williams.

He said he was pleased to see so many people take time out of their weekend to pay their respects.

“It’s important, every Remembrance Day, every ANZAC Day – they’re important to the RSL,” Mr Williams said.

“Without these traditions, I just think that in this day and age they could be lost to the community, lost to Australia if we don’t keep conducting these services.

“You read about the 60,000 people we lost in the first World War, 60,000 who are no longer here.

“On top of that you have those who came home with wounds, injuries and stuff like that.

“It’s important to recognise their service, and that’s what the RSL’s tradition is.

“We’ll recognise and keep supporting those who did serve and came home with bad memories of war.” 

Between nine and 13 million people were killed during World War One.