Across the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands large crowds embraced the ANZAC spirit at Dawn Services, marking 109 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli.
Those who gathered in towns and villages for the solemn occasion, remembered the fallen and honoured past and present ADF men and women who have served in conflicts around the globe.
90 year old bugler Peter Williams sounded the Last Post with a 125 year old bugle from the Boer War at the Bomaderry ANZAC Day dawn service.
Mr Williams was in the Australian National Service in the 1950’s and trained with a Commando Unit.
He said ANZAC Day is a time when honours the memory of his Grandfather, who was killed at The Somme during World War 1. His Grandfather’s body was never recovered, but his name is listed among the dead on the Menin Gate.
Mittagong RSL Sub Branch President Simon Fruen was thrilled with the estimated 900 people who attended the dawn service in the Southern Highland village.
Vietnam Veteran Ian Humby was at the Mittagong service and proudly marched with his Granddaughter.
Mr Humby’s father fought in New Guinea during the 2nd World War and said he also thinks about four school mates on ANZAC Day who did not return from the Vietnam conflict.
