A MOUNT Gambier Community RSL leader says the Anzac Day tradition continues to burn brightly given the thousands of people who attended events yesterday.
It is estimated 4000 people huddled around the Vansittart Park Soldiers’ Memorial in Mount Gambier for the poignant dawn service to salute those who sacrificed their lives in all theatres of war.
With mild and clear conditions falling across the sacred war memorial, people across all generations reflected on our war heroes during the touching service.
While the years are marching on for many former service men and women, this did not stop veterans – some stemming back to World War II – rising before dawn to attend the emotional service blanketed in darkness.
School children, community and sporting representatives were among those clutching wreaths and reflecting on service men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Meanwhile, it is estimated around 2000 people lined Commercial Street for the iconic Anzac Day parade and mid-morning service at Vansittart Park.
While there were some initial engine problems with a vintage car, the march ran smoothly with crowds lining the streets from the Old Town Hall to Wehl Street.
RSL president Bob Sandow said the number of young people at the events was particularly encouraging for the future of Anzac Day.
“We are really pleased with the crowd numbers at the dawn service – I would say the numbers at the dawn service, as well as the march and mid morning service, were on par with last year,” Mr Sandow said.
“But what I am really happy about it is the number of young people and students at the events.
“We had representatives from 13 schools at the dawn service.”
He said there were also school representatives at the mid-morning service.
“What that says to me with all of those kids there is there is hope the Anzac traditions are getting through and will continue into the future,” Mr Sandow said.
