A RECORD crowd gathered for the Anzac Day march as Gunnedah commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war.
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Veterans and servicemen from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals assembled and led the march.
Family members, school children, emergency service personnel, Gunnedah Plains Pipes and Drums and Gunnedah Shire Band members joined the march along Conadilly Street, before a service was held at the cenotaph at 11am.
The commemorative service was opened by RSL Sub-Branch secretary Kerry Bee, with Gunnedah Shire mayor Owen Hasler reading the prologue.
Gunnedah High School leaders Mitchell Brandon and Meg Jaeger, and St Mary’s captains, Jake Somerville and Charlee Waterford, delivered the Bible readings.
The commemoration address and prayer was given by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop, who reminded those gathered of the sacrifice made for Australia’s freedom.
“Big sacrfices have been made for our freedom, starting right back with the Anzacs 100 years ago today. All gave some, but some gave all. People we never knew but people we’re ever thankful for,” he told the crowd.
“On the first day at Gallipoli, exactly 100 years ago, 2000 of the 16,000 Anzacs were killed on the beach.
“The Anzacs arrived on the western side of the Gallipoli peninsula, Anzac Cove as we know it today.
“They landed further north than planned and, worse still, the Turks knew they were coming.
“In complete darkness, our troops landed on a narrow strip of beach and found themselves facing steep cliffs and constant artillery fire,” he said.
“Many didn’t make it – but the Anzac spirit was born.”
Wreaths were laid on behalf of many local organisations, including the Gunnedah Red Cross who are also commemorating 100 years of service.
The Last Post, sounded by the Gunnedah Shire Band bugle party echoed across Gunnedah followed by The Ode, delivered by Major
John Millerd of 12/16th Hunter River Lancers and a minute’s silence to reflect.
A fly-over of planes crossed the cenotaph in honour of the
many Gunnedah and district residents who served in many theatres of war.
The crowd faces east for the Reveille, before the Benediction was pronounced and the National Anthem closed the service.
Anzac photos in the NVI were taken by Paul Mathews, Ashley Gardner, Emily Brown, Vanessa Brown, Sam Woods, and Marie Low.
