Rochester dawn service draws hundreds

By Gregor Mactaggart

Apr 25, 2023

A crowd of about 400 people was in attendance at Rochester’s dawn service on Anzac Day.

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From 5am, the headlights of cars brightened a dark morning as they arrived one by one at the Rochester Cemetery.

Having been ushered to a position to park by Rochester SES volunteers, the crowd grew as 6am drew closer.

Faces young and old, parents and their children, veterans and their families, all in attendance.

The smell of bacon and eggs was in the air as part of the gunfire breakfast, prepared by volunteers from the Rochester Lions Club.

Rochester Anzac Day: Captain Maryanne Lovering sings *Jerusalem*. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

MC Kris Stocker, an 18-year Army veteran from a family with a proud service record, welcomed those assembled.

“Anzac Day is not one of celebration, but one of commemoration and to say thanks,” she said.

“It is an opportunity to recognise those who serve today.”

Rochester RSL sub-branch president Captain Cameron Lovering then led what was a terrific service.

“This day, above all days, we remember them,” he said.

Rochester Anzac Day. The digger’s hat in front of the memorial. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

Captain Maryanne Lovering delivered renditions of Jerusalem and Abide With Me, as well as the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.

Retired Wing Commander John Glover had the hairs standing up on the back of necks as he recited the Anzac Day Requiem.

“On this day, above all days, we remember those Australian men and women who died or suffered in the great tragedy of war,” he said.

Uniting Church Reverend Brian Morgan provided a prayer of commemoration as wreaths were laid at the cemetery’s memorial, which was accompanied by a lone slouch hat.

Rochester Anzac Day: The sun rises in the distance as Rochester pauses for the dawn service. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

“For their sacrifice we gather, for their sacrifice we remember,” he said.

Captain Cameron Lovering returned to recite the Ode of Remembrance.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning

“We will remember them.”

The crowd responded: “Lest we forget”.

Rochester Anzac Day: The Australian flag at full mast. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

Rochester Anzac Day: Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and his son David lay a wreath. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

He also pointed out that 2023 marked 108 years to the day from when the first Anzacs arrived on the shores of Turkey as the Australian flag was raised to full mast.

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell was a special guest for the dawn service and was accompanied by his son David, placing a wreath at the memorial.

The sun, rising in the east, signified the end of the service, and with it the opportunity for everyone to mingle, tuck into a bacon and egg sandwich, a coffee or tea and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.