For those who survive, the battle often continues long after the guns fall silent
- Nigel Horne
The suffering experienced by soldiers, their families and whole communities did not cease with the signing of the Armistice 101 years ago on Monday.
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Colonel Bradley Robertson, speaking at Albury's Remembrance Day service, said the aftermath of World War I brought its own hardships.
"Because that was then the realisation of what had happened and then also the return of all those who were injured and broken and needed the community's support," he said.
"Remembrance Day is more than the date, it's more than a particular point in time, it is more than just when, it is why, and, of course, who."
Hosted by Albury RSL sub-branch, the service filled St Matthew's Church as veterans, Defence personnel, community members and students paused to reflect.
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MC Nigel Horne listed conflicts and peacekeeping involving Australian forces, including the North Russian intervention that lasted beyond Armistice Day.
"When you look at the final year of each decade over the last 120 years, there have only been two when Australians have not served overseas, 1909 and 1929," he said.
"Freedom is not free, it often comes with a terrible price.
"For those who survive, the battle often continues long after the guns fall silent."
Colonel Robertson said the Red Cross and other Albury groups, set up to assist serving personnel, then found a greater need closer to home as returning soldiers travelled through.
"Those associations helped not only physically carrying or pushing individuals from one carriage to another as they transferred between trains, they also fed them, gave them counsel and supported them as they transitioned back," he said.
Monday's service included the laying of wreaths, the Last Post, a lone piper and a time of silence.
Archdeacon Catie Inches-Ogden, who led prayers, found the occasion particularly significant because she had been part of the 2010 operation in France to inter about 250 soldiers killed at Fromelles during "the bloodiest 24 hours of World War I".
"We took six weeks to bury them at the beginning of January and February," she said.
"It was very emotional, very cold, but emotional and I felt very honoured to be part of it. We're still finding out, little by little, more about the men, families are slowly being told that their member has been identified, so it's very exciting."