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ANZAC Day
Thousands of Mount Gambier residents marked their respect
for the fallen on Sunday 25 April, as increasing numbers of young
Australians recognised the significance of Anzac Day.
Huge crowds gathered at marches, ceremonies and services
across the South East and around the nation as Australians
commemorated ANZAC Day, honouring the brave men and women
who served the country and those who made the ultimate
sacrifice.
War Memorials were once again the focus of commemorative
activities as thousands of people, both young and old,
braved the cold to watch the sun rise as they attend the
solemn dawn service.
The day of commemoration began in Mount Gambier with a dawn
service at Vansittart Park where the service paid tribute to
the ANZAC men and women who fought in the Gallipoli campaign
during the First World War in 1915, as well as remembering
all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts
and peacekeeping operations.
With numbers at Anzac Day commemorations on the increase,
the Dawn Service and ANZAC Day march in Mount Gambier was
one of the largest the region has seen with locals ensuring
to continued to keep the ANZAC spirit alive.
This Anzac Day marked the 95th anniversary when the
Australia and New Zealand Army Corps first landed on the
Gallipoli Peninsula.
As the sun rose on Sunday morning, eleven year old twins
Liam and Laura Beckman’s thoughts turned to their great
grandfather who served in World War 2 and to the many others
who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during
wartime.
“ANZAC Day gives us the opportunity to come together as
Australians to remember and honour those who served this
country,” Laura said.
“Its about remembering the Australians and New Zealanders
who fought and died in war.”
Their great grandfather, Gunner William John McGregor served
in the 2nd Australian Artilleries Signal Troup in Borneo and
passed away earlier this year.
“ANZAC Day is a day we can all be proud to call Australia
home,” Liam said.
More than 1,000 people later lined Commercial Street to
watch the march from the Old Town Hall to Vansittart Park
for the ANZAC Day Ceremony.
Onlookers young and old waved Australian flags and cheered
as
ex-servicemen and women
were joined by schools students, community groups and family
members proudly wearing the medals of those who have passed.
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