Mr Ellis, a Natimuk RSL member, was the guest speaker at the mid-morning service, which started with a march down the town’s Main Street.

Mr Ellis stood before a small crowd in Natimuk Memorial Hall to speak about the consequences of war, and why Anzac Day was so important.

“We hear the media pushing messages such as ‘the glory of war’, but there is not enough said about the horrors of war,” he said.

“Today is a day where we should remember those men and women who never returned, who paid the supreme sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

“We should also remember their families.”

Mr Ellis said war touched everyone.

“It is not only those who are trained to fight, but it is horrendous for those in the countries where conflict is taking place,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we have dictators in this world who push their own agenda and take advantage of their own people.

“There are also those who use religion and extreme elements of this to achieve their aims.

“We are seeing this in parts of society today.

“The lesson we must always remember is that there are no winners in war.”

Mr Ellis said it was imperative those who returned from war were well supported.