AN emotional crowd of more than 1200 people paid tribute to more than just the Anzac spirit at a poignant ceremony at the Yarloop War Memorial on Monday morning.
The gathering was testament to the strength of the people of the town which was devastated in January by a bushfire that burned across almost 70,000 hectares.
The town of Yarloop remains closed to the general public after 181 properties were destroyed in the blaze.
Yarloop's war memorial was slightly damaged in the fire but remained intact, although the boundary fence was destroyed.
The Yarloop Volunteer Fire Brigade sought permission to restore the monument in order to host the ceremony.
Brigade spokesman Stephen Cook delivered the welcome address and a poignant acknowledgement of those who lost their lives in the fire.
Services in Northam were also well-attended.
George Pearson, 2 Battalion, 70/71, gave the Anzac address.
Mr Pearson spoke about the history of the Vietnam War, in particular the Battle of Long Tan, with 2016 marking 50 years since the action.
