AS the sun rose on Wednesday, an emotional silence swept over those gathered at Millicent in remembrance of the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom.
Over 200 residents assembled at the Millicent Cross of Sacrifice for the Anzac Day dawn service which marked the 103rd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Piper Heather Kroon heralded the dawn at 6.15am in crisp weather conditions.
Millicent Returned and Services League Sub-branch president Chris Mathias welcomed everyone before the catafalque party mounted.
“As the sun rises and its warmth sweeps into our souls, we gather to give thanks for the brave warriors of Anzac who fought for us a century ago and forged our new nation on the battlegrounds of World War I,” Mr Mathias said.
“It is because of them that we are here today, alive and free to see another dawn, to grieve another day.
“We gather here this morning, at this early hour, to honour and remember those who died in the service of their country, to preserve our way of life.”
Mr Mathias invited Chaplain Paul Hales to open the ceremony and conduct the invocation.
“Almighty and everlasting God, we need you,” Chaplain Hales said.
“Be with us this morning as we pay tribute to those that have been involved in our nation’s battles.
“As we remember those who have died in war, we pray that your holy presence and grace will enable us to serve you this morning and always. Amen.”
Following the invocation, Mr Mathias addressed the crowd, emphasising the significance of this year’s commemorations before reading Clyde Hamilton’s poem Not a Hero, which he said “epitomises the reason why we are here today”.
“Each Anzc Day we seek to find words that explain why we gather here in the cold dawn light, each year we strive to preserve the memories of those who served our country in war and did not return to our shores,” he said.
“This year is significant as it is the century of the end of World War I.
“It is important to keep our Anzac traditions alive over the next century, for there will be many more veterans of war in the coming years.
“It is the unfortunate truth of human history.
“Lest we forget the sacrifices made by those who never returned from these battles, we continue to honour them and this we must continue to do.”
Following the minute of silence, the Reveille was played and the flags were raised to mast tops by Girl Guides Caitlyn Altschwager and Isobel Quintel before the benediction was read and the Australian and New Zealand national anthems were played.
To finish the formalities the cataflaque party dismounted and president Mathias invited all to the Millicent RSL Hall to a warm breakfast and a cup of coffee with a shot of rum hosted by the Millicent Lions Club with the assistance of the Millicent Girl Guides.
