Reduced events, in some cases no marches, and in other cases, shortened, invite only events.

The Greenwell Point Anzac Day dawn service, hosted by the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch was attended by special guests who laid wreaths, and around a couple of hundred members of the public also attended.

While the event was roped off to keep the public separate from the invited guests, a small hitch with power supply saw the public allowed to move closer to hear the service while still observing appropriate social distancing to meet COVID requirements.

Nowra RSL Sub-Branch vice-president Fred Dawson led the much shorter than usual service.

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Commander David Hutchinson, from HMAS Albatross, performed the dedication, paying tribute to all those who have fallen in all theatres of war.

"At dawn in 1915, our kinsmen, the Anzacs, with great courage in war, made Anzac immortal," he said.

"Gathered here at dawn we think of them and of those who fought in many places, on land, on the sea and in the air and gave their lives in service.

"We believe that in spirit they are with us.

"To be worthy of their sacrifice for us, let us dedicate ourselves anew to uphold the ideals for which they died.

"As the dawn brings new light, let our memory of the brave and faithful bring a new light of hope for peace and goodwill that from their valour and their sacrifice a better, nobler world shall rise."

A number of wreaths were laid to the strains of the Lament by Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums Pipe Major Kim von Prott.

Following the Ode and the lowering of flags to half mast, Rob Currie of the Nowra Town Band performed the Last Post and Reveille.

Nowra Salvation Army Lieutenant Matthew Sutcliffe performed benediction, with the service concluded with the singing of the national anthem.

We all knew Anzac Day 2021 was going to be different - reduced, shortened events, in some cases no marches.

But at least in 2021 organised services were going ahead - a far cry from last year when everything was cancelled as we were in the midst of the COVID outbreak and lockdown.

The Greenwell Point dawn service was no different.

It was a strange feeling travelling along Greenwell Point Road to a dawn service and be the only car on the road.

Normally you are part of a procession of cars heading east to Anzac Park.

At the village itself, there was no traffic control, no street diversions - for the first time ever I was able to park within close walking distance.

Although there was no march, no catching up with regulars at the RSL Hall as you do each year prior to the march setting off, at least this year there was a public service.

A number of personnel from HMAS Albatross were present but there was not the usual military presence we are used to.

Normally a large contingent of local naval personnel march with our veterans and assembled groups.

I didn't know what to expect at the "invite only, small service" and wreath laying event, which was to be roped off to the public.

It was not unsurprising to see a large contingent of the public also present to pay their respects.

Even a hitch with a lack of power to the site was overcome and the service started on time.

In typical Anzac spirit and ingenuity, that problem was overcome with the help of a couple of nearby neighbours and an attendee and couple of extension cords.

And while it wasn't our usual Greenwell Point service, at least in 2021 we were able to have one.

Lest We Forget.

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