Anzac Day will be commemorated across shire towns and villages tomorrow – Friday, April 25 – in ceremonies that attract a growing number of people each year.
Anzac Day nowadays has a new dimension, as the ranks of the returned servicemen and women, thinned over time, have their places in the marches and services attended by their families and community members.
In Narrabri, the national day of commemoration starts with the 5am dawn service at Narrabri West War Memorial. The dawn service at the Narrabri War Memorial in the RSL grounds will begin at 6am. It is anticipated that Narrabri will see a large attendance at the two dawn services and the main ceremony at the RSL memorial at 10.45am.
Last year saw a strong turnout at commemorations.
The late morning service will be preceded by the traditional street march which will be joined by organisations ranging from schools to emergency services, and community and service clubs.
Community involvement in the march and service is a trend that has strengthened in recent years.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens encouraged all shire residents to participate in local commemorations in the shire’s towns and villages. “It’s a very solumn day for us in our shire,” Cr Tiemens said.
“We lost many men and women in the Great War, the Second World War and wars since,” Cr Tiemens said.
“Anzac Day is an emotional day for so many people.
Cr Tiemens said it is always pleasing to see the shire’s towns and villages host large commemorations.
“To see hundreds of people gather at the dawn service in Narrabri West is something I never forget,” he said.
“It’s such a momentous day for our shire calendar.
“Our history could have been very different had it not been for our armed services.”
Cr Tiemens said it is pleasing to see continued youth involvement in local commemorations as well as the support of young families.
“It’s important we continue to acknowledge the brave men and women, many who were so young, and sent to foreign lands,” he said. “Lest we forget.”
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