A MOUNT Gambier RSL leader has claimed the Anzac spirit continues to burn strongly following what is believed to be the largest crowd in living memory at yesterday’s poignant dawn service.
The RSL estimated up to 4000 people flocked to the Vansittart Park Soldiers Memorial for the dawn Anzac Day service, which has continued to draw massive crowds in recent years.
War veterans and community members yesterday huddled around the memorial landmark for the service, which was an emotional tribute to fallen diggers and those who have fought in battles across the globe.
While the dawn service is often held in inclement conditions, the mild conditions yesterday contributed to the sprawling crowd.
Speaking at the Mount Gambier Community RSL yesterday that was packed with veterans and supporters, RSL president Bob Sandow said he was overwhelmed with the support of the community.
Mr Sandow was particularly thrilled with the large numbers of people at the dawn service, which had now grown to be the most attended Anzac Day fixture in Mount Gambier.
“It was the largest amount of people I have ever seen personally. I think there was somewhere between 500 to 1000 more people than last year,” he said.
But he said it appeared the dawn service attendance could have affected the number of people lining Commercial Street for the parade.
“There were big gaps of nobody along the street,” Mr Sandow explained.
“Whether the numbers were down because people attended the dawn service, I do not know. The street was not as busy as last year.”
Silence swept over the thousands who then gathered at the memorial for the mid-morning tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.
Those in attendance heard the solemn words of Pastor Rudy Furlong, who started the Anzac Day service of remembrance.
“On this day, above all days, we recall all those who did not return to receive the welcome of the nation,” Mr Furlong said.
“We think of those who fell where they stood against the overwhelming might of an oppressor and we think of every man and woman who died so the lights of freedom and humanity continue to shine.”
Royal Australian Navy Captain Adam Lindsay was guest speaker and provided a timely reminder of the great sacrifice of many before us.
“We come together to remind ourselves of the terrible cost of securing our freedom that we often take for granted today,” Cpt Lindsay said.
“Over 100,000 Australians have given their last full measure of devotion and almost 350,000 have lived on with the scars of battle.
“It is a day of great sadness and yet one to be justifiably proud.”
On a day filled with emotion, the crowd applauded several members of the community, former and current servicemen and women who proudly laid their wreaths at the memorial.
A particularly lengthy applause rung out when World War II RAAF veteran Tony Braithwaite rose from his wheelchair so he could personally lay a wreath and pay his respects at the service.
The Last Post pierced the city air before all observed a minute of silence to remember the fallen.
At the conclusion of the service, Mr Sandow said he was pleased with the crowd numbers at Vansittart Park.
“In my opinion, there was twice the number of people compared with last year,” Mr Sandow said.
Attending the city’s services for the first time, former army major JJ Steensma said it was great to join so many people from the community to commemorate Anzac Day.
“It was really nice to come here early for the dawn service and it was nice to join the march down the road in front of a great crowd who made you feel quite appreciated,” Mr Steensma said.
“Anzac Day is one of the great days where we come together and look at the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for this great country.”
Mr Sandow said it was pleasing to see a growing interest from the younger generations in the tradition of Anzac Day.
“At the Boer War service we had Compton school students and up at the airmen’s graves we had Moorak school,” Mr Sandow said.
He said Reidy Park students attended the Battle of Kapyong service on Tuesday.
“Reidy Park students helped put out with the poppies,” he said.
