They came in their hundreds eager to put last year's covid cancelled commemorations behind them and acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice from conflicts spanning more than 100 years.
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Residents and visitors rugged up against the chilly autumn morning for the moving, but short remembrance ceremony, held at Lone Pine Memorial, Tuncurry, site of the original Forster Tuncurry RSL.
An at times emotional Daryll Moran, gave the annual address, reflecting on the horrors the first Anzacs endured as they arrived at Gallipoli more than 105 years ago.
"As padre of the Return Services League, it's my great privilege to extend the warmest of welcomes to each and every one of you on this historic dawn service of 2021," Mr Moran said.
"As you silently look around to those beside you, we begin reflecting as one that over a century ago; it was Easter Sunday when the ANZACs embarked for the Dardanelles and the Gallipoli Campaign to force what would be that first dawn," he said.
"Within a short time of the dawn two out three of those young men would have given their life, be wounded, sick or prisoner of war in one way or another.
"Today we have the privilege to stand together united as a community, one of many across the country, in New Zealand, Torres Strait, the Pacific in the lands of our Allies, our one-time aggressor and on the soil occupied by those on current deployment, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions."
Wreaths were laid by Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, along with Forster Tuncurry RSL sub-branch president, Cec Miller, captains and team leaders from local primary and secondary schools, service clubs and members of the community
The traditional march will be held from 10.30am.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
