Thousands of people turned up to 2018 Anzac Day services held across the Wingecarribee Shire on April 25.
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Those who attended the five dawn services across the shire were met with crisp, but fine weather.
However, Mother Nature turned on a stunning and unseasonably warm day as daylight broke.
Reflection on the landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915 was at the forefront of all services.
However, strong focus was also placed on the efforts of every man and woman who has served this country in war time and peace keeping activities over the past 103 years.
Special guest speaker at the Bowral Dawn and Day Services Commodore Stephanie Moles RAN said Anzac Day was a National day of commemoration in both Australia and New Zealand “when we remember all those who died in war.”
“In no unreal sense, it was April 25, 1915 that the consciousness of nationhood was born,” she said.
An impressive crowd visited the Robertson and Burrawang Schools of Arts to commemorate our fallen soldiers.
The number of Australian lives lost since troops first hit the shores of Gallipoli were highlighted at both services. More than 100,000 young men and women have lost their lives fighting for our freedom over the past 103 years.
Reverend Graham Thomas said the services in both villages had grown stronger each year.
"Each year more and more people are coming to these services which is very heartening," he said.
As usual, school children from the villages played a major part in each service either laying wreaths, reading prayers or playing the bugle.
Moss Vale High student Matthew Johnston was praised at both services for his outstanding sounding of The Last Post.
There was also a large crowd at the Exeter service where a dedication was performed at the end of the service to the new memorial which is now complete.
Mayor Ken Halstead said he saw it while it was under construction and the finished product was “magnificent”.
“It’s an incredible bit of work that’s been done here and it’e turned out in my opinion to be one of the best memorials in the shire.”
Reverend Jeremy Tonks led a prayer at the dedication and described it as a “simple yet stunning memorial”.
A plaque on behalf of the Kangaroo March was also presented to Exeter Village Association president Simon Bathgate.
A similar plaque was presented at services in Colo Vale and Bundanoon.
Moss Vale attendees celebrated a significant milestone at this year’s service.
2018 marked the 100th year of marches through the town and it was, as always, well received.
Ernie Walker, a Rat of Tobruk, celebrated his 102nd birthday on April 22 and his special milestone was also recognised at the Moss Vale service.
Cr Duncan Gair, who spoke about the first Moss Vale casualty in WWI at last year’s service, highlighted the town’s final casualty at the 2018 service.
Lyle Chase- service number 3711- died on Armistice Day 1918 and while he was born in Queensland, had a connection to the town through his parents who had retired in Broughton Street.
Those who attended the service were also impressed with a display by the Mittagong Aero Club, with planes flying over midway through the service.
In the northern villages, about 350 people were rugged up in coats, beanies and scarves at the Hill Top dawn service.
Over at Colo Vale, there were about 240 people at the day service.
There was involvement by a range of community members, including school students and volunteers.
Several hundred braved the cold for the Mittagong Dawn Service. Led by the Highlands Pipes and Drums, veterans marched with pride.
The Highlands Pipes and Drums was also a standout at the Sutton Forrest main service. Nerida Barnsley dedicated an ode to the Anzacs with her take on Amazing Grace.
School spirit was strong at the Berrima main service. Twenty-two Berrima Public School students attended the service and assisted with the laying of wreaths, reading poems, raising the flags and handing out the programs.
Speaker Lyn Watson said the crowds at the Berrima service had improved over the years.
"These services wouldn't exist without you, and it's great to see such a strong involvement from the younger generation," she told the crowd.
Keith and Anthea Walker-Jones handed out Anzac biscuits following the service.