The horror.

The tragedy was the loss of so many lives in distant places in terrible wars – the full details of which remain too ghastly to contemplate.

But, sprouting from the carnage like the poppies on the fields of Flanders came a force among the Australians that grew to be part of our national psyche, our DNA – the Anzac spirit.

The honour.

The Anzacs embodied the courage, commitment and sacrifice of all Australian service men and women in all the conflicts in which they have fought since the Boer war, and their spirit is embedded in the nation and its people to face challenges and triumph against the odds.

They acquitted themselves with honour becoming an international legend. Their example has inspired Australians to come back fighting and win in the face of adversity.

The hope.

That the scale of sacrifice never has to be repeated. Our servicemen have played a huge role in helping forge the Australia of today. Still young, it is a rock-solid democracy with fairness and generosity at its heart. The term may be over-used but Australia is identified, and always should be, with a “fair go”.

A peaceful, balanced society. It is not without problems, but it is still, by far, a lucky country.

The incredible efforts of all those service men and women will never be forgotten.

The proof that it has not is in the growth each year of the number of people attending ceremonies, marches and other events. From babies in prams to the oldest of citizens, they turn out to pay tribute to those who gave – and those who still give – so much.

That’s why it was so pleasing to see that right across the region, from Mudgee to Gulgong, Kandos to Dunedoo, people showed up in big numbers to pay their respects.

They attended marches, and listened to the harrowing accounts of people who went through it. Then the ode and the Last Post, which still sends chills down the spine.

And there was the minute silence, to remember those who gave their lives for peace and for our freedom.

It’s those traditions that show the ANZAC spirit will pass from generation to generation.

And we will never forget.