The aged care village held the commemorations with about 50 residents, family members, volunteers, staff and special guests.

Led by Reverend Chris Wright from Tamworth City Uniting Church, the event honoured the men and women who who served in all wars.

The three war veterans – Dick Orman, Jim Le Cerf and Trevor Schwalbach – played a special role, with the former giving the Ode and all three among those who laid wreaths.

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Reverend Wright said they were “more than just an arrangement of flowers”.

“Wreaths come with an invisible message of the love and respect we have for those who have given their lives,” he said.

Mr Orman served as a leading aircraftman on radar units in the air force in Dutch New Guinea during World War II.

He said this was an important day for him, particularly as he wouldn’t be part of the local Anzac Day march on Wednesday.

“I did march for many years, but I can’t anymore,” he said.

“But there are so many young ones taking an interest these days, I think it will continue on.”

Mr Schwalbach was a private in the Australian Army and served in Bougainville during World War II, guarding prisoners of war.

“I still say we were lucky: the Japanese left the Pacific Islands alone and headed straight for Australia,” he said.

Mr Schwalbach said he would also have to miss this year’s march.

“I used to go in a jeep, but I broke my hip in September and I can’t get in one now,” he said.

“I get pretty giddy on my feet these days.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and regional councillor Juanita Wilson were the guest speakers at the village’s event.

RFBI Moonbi Masonic Village also held a service this morning for about 70 people.

Councillor Phil Betts and Tamworth RSL Sub-branch vice-president Sandra Lambkin were the special guests, and the event was led by the village’s care manager, Garth Hoy.