SEVENTY-four years ago, the shops in Summer Street closed as news arrived signalling the end of World War II.
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On Thursday, 30 people gathered at Robertson Park for a Victory in the Pacific Day remembrance service, hosted by the Orange RSL sub-branch.
Wreaths were laid for the 110 servicemen from the district who died on the anniversary of then-prime minister Ben Chifley's declaration of the end of the war following Japan's surrender to allied forces.
Reverend Gary Neville used the benediction to carry a message.
"Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage, hold fast to that which is good," he said.
Summer Street closed and all the businesses closed and everyone went out into the street when they heard the news - Mum said it was pretty amazing.
- Janis Harris
Cadets Isabella Fox and Jack Gordon had the role of flag raising and lowering, eight months after the unit was established at Orange Anglican Grammar School.
"It feels really good to give back a little bit - I'll take time for the people who gave their lives for us," Jack said.
"It's a good feeling standing there and trying to be your best."
Janice Harris, who represented member for Orange Phil Donato during the proceedings, recalled her parents' memories of the original day.
Her father, Private Keith Harris, was captured after the fall of Singapore and spent four years as a prisoner of war, while her mother, Wilga Cantrill, was still only 16 at war's end.
- READ ALSO: See what happened on this day two years ago
"Summer Street closed and all the businesses closed and everyone went out into the street when they heard the news - Mum said it was pretty amazing," she said.
She said her father's family did not know he had survived until the Red Cross made a list.
"Dad didn't get to see his mum for quite a few weeks," she said.
"They took them to Sydney because they didn't want the mothers to see what terrible condition they were in."
OAGS student Amy Fulwood gave the address on the conflict, while Isabella Kane and Isabella Noble performed a song and poem.
Derek Johns played The Last Post and Reveille while Don Peck performed on bagpipes.
Orange RSL sub-branch senior vice-president Chris Colvin spoke highly of the students who performed during the ceremony.
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