Despite having a population of less than 400, around 100 people turned up to the service to pay their respects.

The Returned and Services League of Australia Leeton Sub-Branch has run the service since the Whitton Sub-Branch dissolved several years ago.

This year, Leeton Sub-Branch president John Power took control of proceedings and he wasn’t surprised by the big turnout.

“That’s why we keep coming,” Mr Power said of the large numbers in attendance.

Mr Power said the service was a way to keep the children of Whitton informed.

“It’s for the school kids, we’re lucky we’ve got a pipe band in Leeton and some of the pipers come out here every year, that makes it good for the kids,” Mr Power said.

“We also have the cadets [attend] who are sponsored by the Leeton RSL Sub-Branch and they have members from all around [Australia].”

Mr Power saved his most powerful message for his sign-off for the day.

“Think about the young men and women serving our country overseas,” Mr Power told the crowd.

“They’re doing it tough but when they get home, they’re doing it even tougher.

“When they finish their service a lot aren’t taught how to become citizens again.”

Mr Power along with Leeton RSL Sub-Branch members Peter Williams and Mark Jagers, Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom and pastor Jeff Cottom all shared a reading at the service.