THOUSANDS of locals flocked Anzac Day services and ceremonies across the Gunnedah shire to pay their respects on Wednesday.
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People of all ages turned out to dawn services and marches in Breeza, Curlewis, Gunnedah and Tambar Springs as a part of the day’s commemorations.
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was pleasing to see so many young people attend the day’s events.
“Everything was well attended right throughout our shire,” Cr Chaffey said.
“It was great to see so many people at the services taking part in the day.
“I think it is particularly pleasing to see the recognition within our young people growing.
“With it growing, it ensures that the importance of remembering our Anzac spirit and what came before us lives on.”
The day begun before dawn with the annual dawn service in Gunnedah, Curlewis and Tambar Springs.
Hundreds of locals braved the early morning conditions to honour the fallen and current servicemen and women.
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Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch president Peter Kannengiesser said the dawn service is always an emotional one.
“It’s difficult to describe the feeling you get at an Anzac Day dawn service,” Mr Kannengiesser said.
“It's very emotional and [Wednesday’s] was a perfect example of that.
“Overall it was a great day across the board.”
The day then rolled on to include the annual Anzac Day march which saw locals pack Conadilly Street as the march made it’s way to the cenotaph.
At the cenotaph, the hundreds in attendance enjoyed the annual Anzac Day service which included readings, songs and a minute’s silence.
Gunnedah Anglican Church minister Scott Dunlop lead the crowd in prayer and spoke about the importance of service.
“Life doesn’t work when we make it about ourselves because God has made us to serve him and others,” Mr Dunlop said at the service.
We’re supposed to not be served but serve.
“Wars happen when humanity fails to do that.
“Our freedom came at a great cost, let’s not forget that.
“Let’s remember that in our actions so we can honour them and our God.
“Lest we forget.”
The Gunnedah RSL-Sub Branch will now look to working with the Anzac Working Group in hosting more centenary of Anzac events as well as Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations on August 18.