The Southern Highlands has turned on the charm for the 2023 Anzac Day and the many services held across the region.
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There were Kangaroos in Berrima, soft golden fog at the National Service and Reserve Forces memorial where the Sutton Forest service was held and the sunrise provided a stunning backdrop for the Mittagong Dawn Service.
The theme of this year's Mittagong Dawn service was "remembrance" and perhaps, what that term means in the modern world.
If the numbers that turned out were an indicator, the Anzac Day tradition is holding strong.
Wollondilly Anglican College Year 7 student Corin Murphy shared what Anzac Day means to him, and he said simply: "It's just a matter of turning and respecting the people that fought for us."
He said it is often hard to imagine what the Australian diggers experienced, but that their sacrifice was not lost on his generation. "At school they probably don't make it as bad as it seems, but in reality it was probably so much worse," Corin said.
More than 200 people commemorated Anzac Day at the Berrima dawn service. Air Commander Bob Rogers addressed the crowd. "Standing together we are resilient. This is the spirit of selfless service we acknowledge on this day."
Many paid respects to past loved ones as they attended services.
This was the case Wollondilly Anglican College student Hannah White, who was among those who provided an Anzac address at the Hill Top dawn service.
Hannah wore the medals her great-grandfather earned in World War Two.
She also wanted to honour the efforts of her grandfather, who served in the Vietnam War.
What started as a cold morning for the dawn services across the Southern Highlands turned into a beautiful sunny day. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade pass along Bong Bong Street, Bowral, towards the Anzac Memorial. Students from schools across the region wore their uniforms with pride as they marched towards the cenotaph while many wore the medals of past loved ones, and even their own medals, as a mark of respect to all who have served their country.
The sentiment was personal for many at the Colo Vale Anzac Day service. "This is our history," Jackson Blatch said at the Anzac Day service in Colo Vale. The Blatch family, who have pavers with family members who have served in overseas conflicts, came together at the war memorial to honour their legacies. They added photos and Australian flags to the pavers. "It means everything," Shane Blatch said.
Meanwhile, Vietnam veteran John Stead said the meaning of April 25 had "broadened" to commemorate all service men and women who have served overseas.
"We will remember them and always appreciate our tomorrows."
This was a message from the Robertson Public School students as they shared stories of those from Robertson who had served in World War I.
The students had researched the people whose names were listed on the Robertson memorial. They shared stories of young men who worked in the community who enlisted in the war effort to serve their country. Some as young as 17. Some returned to Australian shores and to their homes in Robertson. Sadly this was not the case for all.
Lance Corporal Rueben Griggs is joined by his son Henry and Explosive Protection Dog to lay a wreath at the Robertson memorial. Picture by Jackie Meyers
Residents lined the main street on Bundanoon to watch the parade for the Anzac Day day service. The Bundanoon dawn service also attracted a large number of residents, with more than 300 people paying their respects.
The Sutton Forest morning serving attracted a strong crowd. A minute silence was held for Gloria Daley and Ted Smith who passed away on April 24. Both were integral to the community. Ron Holloway, 92, led the community band and played The Last Post on bugle.
The Exeter service had a special focus on the Vietnam War as Vietnam veteran Rick McCarthy shared his experience from his time in service.
The Moss Vale Anzac Day service returned for the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic.
It was a welcomed return as hundreds of people lined the streets leading up to the Moss Vale Services Club, and applauded and waved to those who have served for Australia.
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