President of the Portland RSL sub-branch Norm Richardson led the service after a parade of returned servicemen and school children opened the ceremony.

Mr Richardson said he was sad they couldn't get a catafalque party for the service.

"Let us mourn with pride of those who lost their lives and stand with pride for those who still live and serve," he said.

Robert Houlison spoke at the service on the theme of Anzac and those from Portland who gave their lives in service to this country.

"We need to remember those from Portland and all around this region," he said.

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Portland Central School captains Alexis Cathie and Kayla Nugent spoke about the important role of women in war.

"It shows that ordinary people can do extraordinary things," Kayla Nugent said.

School students were invited to lay crosses for the servicemen who had lost their lives.

"We have added three more crosses this year as three more have lost their lives over the year," Mr Richardson said.

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