That was the message given to hundreds at the Daylesford Cenotaph who gathered to commemorate Anzac Day on Tuesday. 

It was quiet and solemn as the rain held off the first half of the ceremony and community members listened to the emotional stories about the relatives of Daylesford school students. 

“My great granndmother Agnes was born in 1901,” one student said. 

“When the war broke out in 1914, Agnes’ father and brother both enlisted to fight. On multiple occasions, her father had the opportunity to be promoted to captain, but every time he refused so he could fight with his son.

“Every day, back in NSW, Agnes would sit on a fence post for hours and hours waiting for her father and brother to come home. That day never came. War affects everyone, whether you are in the fight or waiting anxiously at home.” 

Community members attended the RSL following the dawn service and hungry mouths filled its long tables to enjoy a gunfire breakfast.

Daylesford RSL senior vice-president Mike Tate said it was a day to remember those who fought for this country to make it the great place it is today. He said the breakfast brought everyone together. 

“The gunfire breakfast is for the community to have a chat, about friends and relatives who served in war,” he said.  Daylesford RSL treasurer Bill McClenaghan said it was important we never take peace and freedom for granted. 

“It’s easy to take it for granted when we are at peace,” he said while serving scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage to people. Every year on Anzac Day it is like repeating an important message to yourself, so you never forget.”