HUNDREDS of people gathered in Wingham on Monday morning for the dawn and main Anzac Day services to mark the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. They were also there to pay tribute to, and remember, all Australians who served and died in war or during service.
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Community groups, school children and returned service personnel were among a large crowd that mustered at 9.30am outside Wingham Memorial Services Club for the main march to the Wingham Memorial Town Hall.
School children from all local schools: Wingham High School, Wingham Public School, Wingham Brush Public School, St Joseph's Wingham and Taree Christian College marched proudly beside the older generations.
The 1st Wingham Scouts also took part as did local preschools.
"The young ones did everyone proud," said Tinonee Topics correspondent Pam Muxlow.
The sentiment was echoed by Manning Valley Historical Society president Barbara Waters.
"It was great to see so many young people attend," she said.
"Our youth were well represented."
Good weather blessed the start of the march only for the clouds to open just as the main group arrived at the town hall.
"It was a hurried entrance into the hall because of the rain," said Pam.
"But everyone did it so well they all just grabbed a chair and carried it in. The hall was soon full."
Of notable mention was local choir Kantabile.
"Requiem For a Soldier was just beautiful," commented Barbara.
The group performed three items and led attendees in singing the national anthem.
Rev Brian Ford led prayers at the beginning of the service and RSL Sub branch chaplain Darrell McKeough gave the benediction and said the closing prayer.
Among those that spoke were emcee and sub branch secretary Ian Martin, Clr Brad Christensen speaking on behalf of Greater Taree City Council and Wingham High School captian Jai Harrison who gave the Anzac speech.
After the service wreaths were laid at the cenotaph in a light drizzle.
"It was a shame it rained because it would have been lovely outside and everyone could have seen the wreaths being laid." Barbara said.
"But despite the weather it was a very fitting service."
While some folk then went home to dry off, others continued onto the Wingham Memorial Services Club for a diggers lunch and a game of two-up.