A warrant officer in the Navy — presently living in Merrigum as he is on long-service leave — took the time to reflect on veterans.
He said veterans understood each other and shared a bond as it was only them who could truly share the memories of pain, comradery and mateship.
“Australia has had over 630,000 personnel who have served in Australia's forces,” Mr Waller said.
“You don't have to have gone to war to be called a veteran.
“Just someone who is actively serving, a member of the reserves or retired from the forces, who at some point in their life wrote a blank check payable to Australia of an amount up to and including their life.”
Mr Waller read a lengthy and heart-wrenching verse, written by an unknown author detailing "who are veterans".
Mr Waller said Kyabram showed it had a big heart towards the Anzacs.
“From the displays inside shops and people telling me about their relatives that provided service to this nation, to even being given a warm cinnamon bun while I was selling Anzac Day badges last week; Kyabram is a wonderful town,” he said.
“It values and remembers what service to the nation entails, including reflection, honour, sacrifice.
“We pause today to acknowledge all current and former members of the Australian Defence Forces: the brave men and women who represented our country on a daily basis.”
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