Thousands paused to mark 75 years since the fall of Singapore where 1,800 Australians were among the lives lost.
For some, the familiar bugle strains bring back memories all too vivid..
Former POW James Kerr says he's spent much of his life remembering those who didn't return.
"We lost 164 of my regiment, they died as Prisoners of War, so it brings back those memories. Most of those men died unnecessarily."
The solemn service reflected on allied forces too weak and unprepared for Japan's advance.
Australians were among those left with little choice but to surrender.
Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove revived memories of the haunting conditions experienced by those on the Burma railway.
"A courage of daily sacrifice and determination not to give in, not to despair - this unquenchable fortitude got many through those dark times. It eased the suffering of those who did not survive and preserved the dignity and humanity that captivity and ill-treatment could not dampen or displace."
Representing the Chief Of Defence Force, Major General Simone Wilkie recalled the Australian spirit in the direct face of adversity.
"Within days the prisoners had founded the University Of Changi, music and book libraries were established and the Australian concert party began rehearsing."
Sixteen former prisoners of war watched on as the tributes flowed.
The service was a personal one for many members of the public too.
"My uncle, he died on the Burma railway, he was a prisoner of war for several years."
"My brother was taken at Singapore too, but he died."
Around 2,000 people attended the service in Ballarat to commemorate the fall of Singapore, to remember not only those who lost their lives, but the 15,000 Australian soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war.
The Victorian rural city is home to Australia's only memorial to prisoners of war.
Major General Simone Wilkie says it witnessed a lasting legacy.
"We will never forget those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom. We will never forget those who gave their tomorrow so that we might have our today - lest we forget."
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