AS WORLD War I moved through a second bloody month in September, 1914, the terrible toll it was already taking on Britain's young men horrified English poet and writer Laurence Binyon.
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The tragedy inspired him to pen a tribute poem titled For The Fallen, from which the Ode of Remembrance was taken.
For The Fallen was published for the first time in The Times newspaper along with long lists of the dead and wounded 100 years ago on Sunday.
The ode - the fourth stanza of Binyon's poem - is ingrained into the culture of paying tribute to fallen military personnel in Australia and other Commonwealth countries.
It has been used in Australia since at least 1921.
It is recited at Anzac Day and other military memorial services, funerals, RSL sub-branch meetings and every day at 6pm in RSL and other ex-services clubs across Australia.
The Wagga sub-branch of the RSL will mark the centenary of the ode with a ceremony at the RSL Club at 6pm on Sunday.
Sub-branch president Kevin Kerr will read the ode and a minute's silence will be held.
He said everyone in the community was welcome to attend the commemoration.
Wagga RSL sub-branch treasurer Brian Watts said it was hard to describe how he felt when he heard the ode, but it always made him reflect on the sacrifices men and women had made for their country.
Mr Kerr said reciting of the ode was a solemn occasion, and was often sad for some people.
"It brings tears to their eyes," Mr Kerr said.
What: Centenary of The Ode of Remembrance
Where: Wagga RSL Club
When: 6pm, Sunday, September 21.
