Residents across the Southern Highlands stopped to commemorate the 107th anniversary of Anzac day.
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The Berrima Dawn service returned in 2022, with more than 100 people present. The service was conducted by Lynn Watson, with prayers recited by the venerable Geoff Webb, and the Anzac address delivered by Air Commodore Bob Rodgers AM.
Squadron Leader Joel Hardy played the Last Post and The Rouse on the trumpet while Jenny Cavanagh and Courtney Snell from the Berrima Rural Fire Service raised the Australian and New Zealand Flag.
More than 500 people gathered at the Bowral Dawn Service at the Bowral War Memorial.
Bowral RSL sub branch president John Cummins said in his opening speech that while all who served in World War I had passed and few remained from World War II (about 1100) we needed to continue to pay tribute.
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"We need to continue to honour the men and and women who were involved [in war]," he said.
Meanwhile Darron Kavanagh AM CSC RAN said that Anzac Day was a reminder to all Australians of "what we can preserve".
Those who woke for the Mittagong Dawn Service stood in the sprinkling rain as the Ode was read and the Last Post played.
Former and current servicemen and women of the Mittagong RSL sub branch stood proudly in front of the memorial on main street and were piped in and out as locals lined their path in respect.
Those in attendance were treated to a powerful address from the guest of honour, former Defence Minister and Australian War Memorial Director Dr. Brendan Nelson AO.
Dr Nelson used his speech to recount several first-hand accounts of men who served in conflicts from the First World War to Vietnam.
"With a sense of awkward humility, abiding reference, infused with overwhelming pride we pause here, free and confident heirs to a legacy built on idealism, forged in self sacrifice and passed now to our generation," he said.
"This day, Anzac Day, is not about war. In the context of war, it is about love and friendship. Love for friends and between friends, love of family and love of our country.
"It's where we civilians honour you, men and women who wear and have worn the uniform of our three services. Dedicated not to yourselves but to us and in your last moments, to one another."
The rain did not stop more than 100 residents and members of the community gathering at the Hill top War Memorial for this morning's dawn service.
Sid Jeffrey led the ceremony and addresses and prayers were made by Ray Aitken, HMAS Harman PLTOFF Jessica Reid, Mikayla Fenn and students from Wollondilly Anglican College and Hill Top Public School.
Members of the community, groups, soldiers and students laid down wreaths, and the national flag was raised.
Vietnam War veteran and Honour Our Fallen secretary John Stead led the service in Colo Vale, where about 100 people came together in solidarity.
Children and adults present were decorated with loved one's medals and wore them with pride.
Attendees had tea, Anzac biscuits and a sausage sizzle once the wreaths were laid and the flag was raised.
School students, local groups and members of the community marched with veterans and their loved ones from Queen Street, to the Moss Vale Services Club, to commence this morning's proceedings.
Sergeant Silas Sonter and Corporal Neil Hughes directed marchers with their horses Bubba and Pumba.
Tobruk survivor Ernie Walker OAM led the march with his daughter Joy, and the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band were behind him.
Attendees made their way to the club auditorium and Moss Vale RSL Sub-Branch President Bob McLaren led the ceremony.
The Southern Highland Concert Band provided musical accompaniment throughout the ceremony, and different members of the community spoke and laid wreaths.
Year 12 Chevalier College student Georgina McMahon provided a commemorative address, where she expressed the importance of showing "gratitude" for the sacrifices current and former service personnel have made.
More than 100 people attended the Anzac Day Service in Sutton Forest. Led by the 1/21st Light Horse Moss Vale Troop, the procession which consisted of the Highlands Pipes and Drums band and retired servicemen made its way to the National Service and Reserve Forces Memorial cenotaph.
Retired Brigadier Raymond McCann AM OBE said Anzac day was "not a celebration, but a commemoration."
"It started as a way to honour those who fought... it's now an occasion to honour all service people," he said.
Music was provided by The Community Band, with Ron Holloway on the bugle and Hamish Stephen on the bagpipes.
Both the Australian and New Zealand anthem was sung by Nerida Barnsley.
President of the National Servicemen's Association of Australia Southern Highlands sub-branch Robert Brown could not attend the ceremony.
NSAA Southern Highlands sub-branch member Norm Mallard said he was happy with the turnout and appealed to the younger generation to join the National Servicemen's Association of Australia. Norm can be contacted on 0419682444.
In Exeter, a large gathering of residents came together at the Exeter War Memorial despite the ominous looking clouds.
Exeter Village Association president Jonathon Baxter welcomed the residents to the memorial service.
The prayer was led by Reverend Robert Meischke, while Frank Tennant delivered the Anzac Day address. Among those to lay a wreath was the 2022 captains from Exeter Primary School. The New Zealand and Australian national anthem was sung by Angela Williamson.
Despite the drizzle of rain in Bundanoon, more than 200 people attended the main service at 10:30 am.
The Pipes and Drums of Bundanoon led the procession down the main street of Bundanoon and to the War Memorial. They were followed by retired and active service personnel, as well as members of the Bundanoon Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service.
President of the Bundanoon RSL sub-branch Robert Williams introduced Monica from the CWA Bundanoon branch. Monica spoke of the CWA's involvement in the first World War, when members would knit socks to help combat trench foot and send biscuits to the men on the front line.
Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits were provided by Bundanoon CWA at the end of the proceedings.
An Anzac Day Service also took place in Burrawang and Robertson.
The service was led by the Reverand Graham Thomas, while Matt Kennedy played the Last Post. Veteran Reuben Griggs made the Anzac Day address.
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