To coincide with this year’s commemoration,the Orange poppy project has concluded with 2200 poppies knitted, handcrafted, and crocheted by local residents as a sincere symbol of remembrance.

Central West Libraries manager Jan Richards says she wants to thank all those who contributed poppies to the major project.

“It has surpassed our expectations and we are extremely appreciative,” she said.

The initial target was 1873 red poppies to represent every man and woman from Orange and district who served in World War I.

Since World War I the red poppy has become the symbol among allied countries of the sacrifice of millions of soldiers who lost their lives on the battlefields of the Western Front and in other areas of conflict.

The red poppy was the first flower to bloom on otherwise barren battlefields on the Field of Flanders.

In the coming months council will discuss the options for a permanent artistic installation in Orange comprising the 2000 poppies.

Orange RSL sub-branch president Lindsay Wright said he is hoping for a strong attendance at today’s memorial service to be held at the Cenotaph starting at 11am.

“If the turnout we had last year along with the recent numbers for the Cooee March commemoration service are any indication, I hope we will have a record number of people attend,” Mr Wright said.

Reverend Gary Neville from St Barnabas Anglican Church will preside at this morning’s service.

Orange High School student Danielle Saunders will lead the crowd in the national anthem and a hymn accompanied by the Orange High School band.

Mayor of Orange Cr John Davis will also take part with the Last Post to be played by bugler Derek Johns with Don Peck playing The Lament on bagpipes.

Mr Wright said members of the public will be invited to lay wreaths commemorating family members during the ceremony.

Following the service the Orange Ex-Services Club will host a reception for the RSL and members of the public who attended the service in Robertson Park.

Orange City Council at its last meeting supported the suggestion from the RSL to add two plaques to the cenotaph to honour Indigenous Australians and women who served in war.

Orange City Council’s Manager of Corporate and Community Relations Nick Redmond said past generations have not always given the military service of women and indigenous Australians the recognition they deserved.

“Any step that’s trying to tackle this mistake is worth exploring and the suggestion will be addressed by Orange’s Aboriginal community through the community working party.