MARCHES through the main streets of Shoalhaven towns and commemoration services at parks and memorials on Friday served as poignant reminders of those who served and continue to serve the nation.
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Most Anzac Day services enjoyed larger than normal attendance thanks to the timing of public holidays, mild weather and the nearing centenary of WWI.
Large crowds came out of the gloom to attend dawn services and despite a passing shower spirits weren’t dampened.
As the marches across the Shoalhaven got underway excited crowds lined the streets; children atop parents’ shoulders waving Australian flags or in rows along the curb with cameras at the ready.
Led by veterans, some on foot, some in cars, the marches moved vibrantly and quickly.
At a number of towns members of the Red Cross made an impact with local members dressing up as part of the lead-up to the organisation’s centenary later this year.
Marches across the city were joined by proud schoolchildren, veterans, military, musicians and more.
At the dawn service at Greenwell Point Commander of the Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Vince Di Pietro shared with those in attendance how much he enjoyed the early hours of the morning.
He said it was a time when his mind was clear and not yet filled with the daily routine or work challenges.
“A time to reflect and to consider how good it is to be alive,” said Commodore Di Pietro.
“And so another day starts and a personal reflection at dawn is done. And as more light fills the sky, I feel the Anzac spirit right here, right now, alive and well in the faces of the many children.”
