Thousands gathered for the Anzac Day march as Gunnedah commemorated the 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 member and service organiser Kerry Bee, with Gunnedah Shire mayor Jamie Chaffey reading the prologue.
Gunnedah High School leaders Kustiani Tuckerman and Jaxon Holbrook, and St Mary’s captains Maria Ortiz and Ben Maher delivered the Bible readings and commemoration of the fallen.
The commemoration address and prayer was given by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop, who reminded those gathered of the sacrifice made for Australia’s freedom.
“Today we stand to remember those who fought in the past. To honour those who served so we could enjoy a free Australia,” Reverend Dunlop said.
“But how do we honour them? How do we not forget them?
“Well, we’re doing it here today by having a ceremony of remembrance.
“By remembering lives lost, and all those who selflessly served.
“To say, by our being here, ‘Thank you. You are not forgotten. What you have done to give us a free Australia is appreciated and valued. We respect and honour you’."
Reverend Dunlop said action is needed to truly honour those who served.
“How we live our lives as Australians, honours or dishonour’s those who fought for our freedom. To remember their sacrifice today, but take for granted our freedom tomorrow, is not honouring those who served,” he said.
“To truly honour them we need to set an example and take on the Anzac spirit ourselves. In our actions to show mateship, service, and being prepared to lay down our lives for others.”
Wreaths were laid on behalf of many local organisations and families of fallen and current soldiers, and veterans. The Last Post, sounded by the Gunnedah Shire Band bugle party echoed across Gunnedah followed by The Ode, delivered by RSL sub-branch president Peter Kannengiesser.
A fly-over of planes crossed the cenotaph in honour of the many Gunnedah district residents who served in theatres of war. The crowd faced east for the Reveille, before the Benediction was pronounced and the National Anthem closed the service.
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