The mood was set by the Ballarat Vintage Brass Band amid a sea of red poppies, honouring those who served their country.

City of Ballarat mayor John Burt attended the service, accompanied by representatives of the RSL, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and the defence forces.

“It is a time to not only remember but to also give thanks,” Cr Burt said as he addressed the crowd.

“As Australians living in Ballarat we have so much to be grateful for.”

The event included the traditional formalities of a minute’s silence and The Last Post, as well as guest speaker Les Holloway. 

Ballarat and District National Servicemen’s Association of Australia secretary Ron Douglas said this year marked 60 years since the Korean War and his service in the Australian Air Force.

Mr Douglas has written many memoirs reflecting on his service, and he said he was spending Remembrance Day thinking of his former comrades.

Accompanied by assocation president Stan Kellett, the pair laid a wreath at the cenotaph, joined by many others who paid their respects. 

Commemorative Days Committee member Sergeant Kevin Grundell celebrated his second year of organising the event.

“It’s great to see so many young people here,” he said.

Sergeant Grundell said maintaining the tradition of paying respect on Remembrance Day was important.

“If we don’t carry on the tradition I’m afraid it will fall away,” he said.

Defence force cadet Shane Parkinson also participated in the event, saying it made him think about all the people who died to help the nation prosper.

“I have been a cadet for a year now,” he said.

 “I like the camps, it’s pretty fun.” 

The 13-year-old student from Pheonix P12 Community College said he would probably join the Australian Army after finishing school, a possibility that has the full support of his family.