ANZAC Day

Sean Cunningham. Although skies threatened rain and the school holidays pulled numbers down, Narrandera's ANZAC spirit was still alive and well at last Friday's commemorations to mark the 110th anniversary of ANZAC Day to honour Australia's fallen. About 140 early risers gathered for the solemn Dawn Service, while 20 made their way to the War Graves for a quiet moment of reflection.

On Anzac Day ceremonies across the region were again well attended as we recognised the service of those brave men and women who served and continue to serve Australia in defence of our freedom, and despite it being a long weekend this year, attendance at local commemorations were as strong as ever.

Now immortalised on the Barham water tower, the Koondrook Barham ANZAC Day march once again drew a huge crowd to commemorate those who served our nation.

Patricia Gill. Community leader Roger Seeney called on attendees at the Anzac ceremony in Denmark last Friday to reflect on the concepts of courage and community. The 2017 Denmark Citizen of the Year and 45-year national service medal recipient was guest speaker at the service.

Standing proudly alongside one another, thousands of Clarence Valley residents attended Dawn Services and Commemoration Services across the region on Anzac Day to pay tribute on the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during WWI while also remembering the countless Australians who served, and sadly lost their lives, in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations through the years.

The Nhill community came together in strong numbers to commemorate ANZAC Day, with around 300 people attending the Dawn Service and approximately 200 at the 11am service. The Dawn Service began with a reflection on the Gallipoli campaign and the spirit of the ANZACs, delivered by Nhill RSL President John Dunbar.

John Williams. Anzac day in Australia officially started in 1916, commemorating the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing on April 25, 1915. Acting Prime Minister George Pearce officially named the day "Anzac Day" but it wasn't proclaimed a public holiday until 1927. Nhill first commemorated the day on April 25th 1916 at the Elementary School in Brougham Street.

In what is now custom, the Dawn Service began with the War Memorial highlighted by 21 candles, one for each of the Wilcannia men who died during the World War One ... There were between 50-60 at the morning service, including a larger than normal number of tourists, many commenting that it is the small country towns who seem to put on the most moving and meaningful services and are the most welcoming.

When Savannah and Lane Mohr lived in Darwin they attended ANZAC Day services to represent their schools in Humpty Doo and Darwin. They also attended Adelaide River's dawn service before beginning their education ... This year they did something special ...

Riverlanders gathered across the Berri Barmera district to commemorate Anzac Day ... “It is always very moving having the Anzac Dawn Service at the Barmera Upper Murray Garden of Memory, which is the final resting place for over 600 servicemen and women": Berri Barmera Mayor Ella Winnall.