A time to remember those who served and those in countries at war
Lest we forget: Veteran Gerry Clifton remembers his mates at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service. Photos: Megan Fisher
Photo by
Megan Fisher
About 200 people turned out in the dark at Nathalia for the Anzac Day dawn service.
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The service started with the arrival of Greg Chandler on horseback and carrying an Australian flag as he rode his horse Brolga down a main street cleared of cars.
Not forgotten: Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch life member Maurice Bannister reads the Anzac Requiem by C.W. Bean at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Good numbers: Some of the about 200 people who turned out for the Anzac Day dawn service at Nathalia.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In charge of the commemoration service for the first time, Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch treasurer Mark Oliver spoke of how Anzac Day was a time to remember those who died during their service, as well as all those who served their country.
He also urged people to think of current serving Australian Defence Force members who were family and friends.
Special: Members of the community place wreaths in front of Nathalia’s cenotaph at the Anzac Day dawn service.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
A special nod was also given to people who had been killed or displaced during the current war in Ukraine.
The Australian anthem, then the New Zealand anthem in English and Māori, were sung by Cameron Lancaster, while Nathalia-Picola RSL Sub-branch life member and Korean War veteran Maurice Bannister recited the Anzac Requiem by C.W. Bean.
Service: Nathalia war veteran Gerry Clifton at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Wreaths were laid by school students, Moira Shire representatives and community group members.
As the Last Post sounded, followed by the Reveille, the crowd silently paid their respects, as the noise of corellas and kookaburras gave the scene a uniquely Australian feel.
Ceremony start: Greg Chandler rides his horse Brolga to begin the Anzac Day dawn service in Nathalia.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
A community breakfast of egg and bacon sandwiches after the service ensured everyone had full stomachs after getting up so early.
Younger generation: Cobram Anglican Grammar students Matilda, 9, Isabel, 11, and Angus Stirling, 6, laid a wreath at the Anzac Day dawn service in Nathalia.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Anthem: Cameron Lancaster sang both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems at the Nathalia Anzac Day dawn service.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Dawn: Birds fly over the cenotaph at Nathalia as the sky turns pink at the start of the new day after the town’s Anzac Day dawn service.
Photo by
Megan Fisher