THOUSANDS gathered and braced the cool South East weather to honour and pay their respects to the servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price yesterday.
Ceremonies and services were held across the region, with around 400 attending the Millicent service alone.
Millicent saw around 40 marchers make their way along the town’s main street with crowds on the footpath showing their immense support.
The service was conducted by the newly appointed Millicent RSL chaplain Pastor Paul Hales alongside speakers Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll OAM and Millicent RSL president Chris Mathias.
World War II veterans Fred Ellis and several Vietnam War veterans accompanied the crowd with other ex-service personnel.
Beachport also saw an influx of community members gather to pay respects with memories of Anzac Day commemorations shared between local war veteran Lorna Bowman.
Ms Bowman was among the 450 who honoured wartime servicemen at the early morning service.
This year was the ninth consecutive year where Beachport community members paid respects at the foreshore war memorial.
Prayers were led by Anglican Church Lay Reader J.L “Fred” Smith alongside the national anthem and a tribute to indigenous service personnel.
Beachport Primary School students joined Kangaroo Inn Area School students recited poetry and engaged in laying wreaths.
Among the large crowd included Vietnam and other war veterans.
Penola hosted a service at 7.30am as crowds were welcomed by Penola Coonwarra RSL president Peter Degaris and Father Michael Romeo.
Many braved the chilly Penola air with Naracoorte Horsemen attending the service for the first time.
The Penola and District Caledonian Pipe Band played as World War II veterans Roen Lynn, Pat Wilson and Stan Wooding led the march from the heart of town to the RSL.
Services were also held around the region at Port MacDonnell, Glencoe, Naracoorte and Robe.
