Thousands honour our war heroes in dawn services across SA
THOUSANDS of South Australians gathered at war memorials around the state today as the nation’s Anzac legend approaches its centenary commemoration year.
THOUSANDS of South Australians this morning rose before dawn to gather at war memorials around the state as the nation’s Anzac legend approaches its centenary commemoration year.
Dawn services took place as the sun’s first light revealed a mild and cloudy day with an expected top of 24C for the community to commemorate the sacrifices of our military personnel.
About 10,000 people, young and old, gathered at the National War Memorial on North Terrace for the service, which began at 6.15am and was led by the chair of the RSL’s Anzac Committee, Bill Denny.
Mr Denny said the Anzac Centenary year began on August 5 and would run until August 2018, by which time the remaining World War 11 veterans would be in their mid-90s.
“We will not celebrate, we will commemorate,” he said.
In a recorded address, POW survivor Bill Schmidt said the savagery, cruelty and despair of war should never be forgotten.
“Remember the high price (of war),” Mr Schmidt said. “Make it a day to remember. We certainly cannot afford to forget.”
Other services across the state varied in time, with most starting at 6am or 6.30am.
Then, a few hours later, people of all ages again lined the strees for the Anzac Day parade at 9.30am, stretching from Adelaide’s War Memorial on North Tce, to the Cross of Sacrifice.
But the number of World War II veterans taking part this year continues to fall.
Some managed the journey on foot, others in wheelchairs, cars or buses.
GALLERY: Anzac Day across the nation
In many cases army, navy and air force units were reduced to just a handful of participants while some had no local survivors at all.
Among those still able to complete the march were veterans who served in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific, cheered on by several thousand people lining the route.
More significant in number were those from more recent conflicts, with Vietnam veterans among the largest contingent.
This year’s march also allowed defence scientists to take part for the first time wearing the Australian Operational Service Medal received for serving for more than 30 days on an overseas mission.
Chief defence scientist Alex Zelinsky said scientists had always provided exceptional support to Australian troops.
“They have been on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with their defence colleagues, giving scientific advice and carrying out specialised tasks to assist commanders on the battlefield,” he said.
“They have earned the right to march in the Anzac Day parade under the defence civilians banner.”
Dawn Service in Unley as we remember them. Incredibly solemn ceremony; huge crowds #AnzacDay #lestweforget #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/qLPw1K7a34
— Andrew Hough (@andrew_hough) April 24, 2014Acting Premier John Rau and Opposition Leader Steven Marshall had previously urged South Australians to attend the march.
“As we honour our war dead and past servicemen and women, we also remember and pay tribute to the brave Australian Defence Force men and women who are currently serving overseas,” Mr Marshall said.
“Today is an important day to recognise and appreciate the enormous contribution of all soldiers who fought for Australia, many of whom paid the ultimate price to secure the future of our great nation.”
After the traditional dawn service and march, Adelaide’s Anzac Day ceremonies were completed with wreaths laid at the cross of sacrifice.
Meanwhile, in Canberra, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined thousands in the nation’s capital to make a surprise appearance at the Dawn Service.
The Duchess placed a posy near the Unknown Soldier’s tomb with a heartfelt handwritten note, before they left Australia.
Nestled in each of the posies was a small wooden commemorative cross with a handwritten message from an Australian school child.
The neatly written message in Kate’s posy read: “In every second of every day, you will be remembered for your courage and your bravery. Thank you for your sacrifice and for what you have done for us. For that, I am truly grateful.”
- with AAP