DESPITE an early torrential downpour threatening to sweep away proceedings, Nelson Bay residents once again turned out in impressive numbers to mark this year’s Anzac Day Service.
After the all-important Dawn Service at 5.30am, during which Squadron Leader Wright performed the main reading, a well-earned breakfast was had ahead of the main event.
At 10.25am, military veterans, serving personnel, Port Stephens emergency workers and local schoolchildren lined up to take part in the march from the Nelson Bay Bowling Club down to the War Memorial at Apex Park.
The rain held off from this point, as thousands of onlookers lined Stockton Street to clap and cheer as the parade filed past to the impressive marching music of the Newcastle PCYC Brass Band.
Once gathered at Apex Park, the crowd was treated to an impressive and thunderous flypast by an F-35A Lightning MkII aircraft from RAAF Williamtown, flying low over the town from the sea.
Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch President Mark Balsarini then opened the service as the RAAF Catafalque Party marched to their positions surrounding the memorial.
The main address was given by Wing Commander Nicholson of RAAF Williamtown, followed by addresses by local dignitaries and the laying of wreaths at the memorial.
Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally held to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign – their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).
Anzac Day is now a national day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, and broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, as well as the contribution of all those who continue to serve.
Anzac Day at Taylors Beach
At the other end of the peninsula, Taylors Beach residents commemorated Anzac Day with a ceremony at Campbell Walsh Reserve.
A piper and a bugler from the Australian Army Brass Band led formalities, while Lieutenant David Rose gave the address.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, a lone pine tree was planted in memory of Australian lives lost on Gallipoli soil.
Two-up and a community BBQ rounded up the lunchtime ceremony.
By Simon EKINS
