Young and old stood shoulder to shoulder in unity at Deniliquin’s mid-morning Anzac Day ceremony yesterday.
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Heads were held high in respect as the sound of the drum leading the traditional march echoed down Cressy St.
Marching behind the Edward River Concert Band and the Deniliquin Army Cadets, who led the procession, were a dwindling but still strong throng of ex-service personnel.
Helping to fill the ranks this year were family members and service personnel currently serving.
Among those marching in this section were Vietnam veteran Thomas Taylor and his great grandson Nathaniel Taylor.
It also included local emergency services, school children and other interested members of the public. Those marching joined other respectful community members at the Deniliquin Cenotaph to make up a big crowd of about 2000.
They were addressed by Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan, guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Craig Johnston and Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president Don Ward, whose voices boomed loudly over the crowd of whispering children and the song of native birds.
Lt Col Johnston said it was great to see the support of all ages, as the number of older veterans begins to dwindle.
‘‘Whether you march or whether you watch, you are sharing a part of what has evolved into a national day of commemoration and remembrance,’’ he said, in a brief speech that resonated with distinct messages about who Anzac Day is for, including the strong view that it is ‘‘not for self interest groups’’.
He said while numbers waxed and waned over the years, as many struggle physically and mentally to make the march, the support of the local communities has never faulted.
‘‘School groups, Scouts and Guides, service groups, firies, ambos and even police groups march together, often in uniform, to commemorate the service of members of their community in wars often well outside the memory of those present.’’
All stood in unification to pay their respects and honour their brothers and sisters who served this country and bowed their heads as one in prayer.
The sound of the bugle spread far through the crowd with the slight breeze creating a melodic duo against the harsh sun.
Mr Ward spoke with a passion that captivated the crowd, through his every knowing word.
‘‘Let us take strength in the knowledge and hope that our sons and daughters will never forget the example set by their forefathers,’’ he said.
‘‘In our everyday life let us endeavour to carry on those traditions established in past wars and conflicts at such tragic cost.’’
While many held solemn expressions, they stood proudly as the parade returned to the Deniliquin Town Hall to officially end the commemorative service.
As is tradition, a salute was given as they passed by the Edwardes St roundabout, with representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Australian Air Force standing to attention. Behind them fluttered the Australian and New Zealand flags.
At the end of the ceremony the crowds dispersed, with some heading back to the Deniliquin RSL Club for lunch. Others went on to the Deniliquin Cemetery war graves walks or the Deniliquin Anzac Day Races.
Earlier in the day there was a big attendance at the Dawn Service, at which the aeroplane fly-over and the reliable kookaburra both featured, with Lt Col Johnson telling the later service that Mr Ward had the bird ‘‘on call’’.
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