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Remembrance Day is all about remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in all wars and being thankful for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

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That’s the word from Cobram-Barooga RSL president Rob Brown.

Mr Brown said the occasion could be an emotive one.

‘‘It is a very important occasion and can be quite emotional,’’ he said.

‘‘We need to continue on the tradition and keep teaching the young to respect the freedoms they’ve got — and that goes for all veterans.

‘‘We have to keep supporting our young veterans who have served recently in Iraq and Afghanistan and keep supporting the war widows through Legacy.’’

He feels it is even more important for young people to learn about their history and appreciate the sacrifice that was made by those who served.

‘‘I think it’s even more important (nowadays),’’ Mr Brown said.

‘‘My father Robert Brown was a World War II veteran and he didn’t really talk about it much.

‘‘I love working with kids and getting them to participate.

‘‘We are lucky in Cobram because the primary schools like to be involved and participate in the services.’’

Mr Brown served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 along with Noel and Bill Slatterie, Kevin Taylor and Kevin Walker, who also live locally.

‘‘I actually went with Dad to Papua New Guinea (where he served during World War II) for the 60th anniversary in 2002 and saw the gun emplacements that he helped build,’’ Mr Brown said.

In regard to the Cobram Remembrance Day service, Mr Brown said they usually get between 200 and 300 in attendance.

If it rains, the service will be inside the Civic Centre.

Poppies went on sale on Monday this week and will be available at IGA, Woolworths and Cobram Newsagency throughout the week.

Christ the King College will sing In Flanders Fields, Cobram Secondary College Choir will sing the national anthem, and Barooga Primary School and St Mary of the Angels Secondary College will also take part in the service.

The official Remembrance Day service will be at the Cobram War Memorial at the Civic Centre on Sunday from 10.30am.

An additional service will be at Barooga War Memorial from 12.45pm.