The Anzac dawn service at Wingham attracted hundreds of people, young and old.
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The service was held in front of the Wingham Town Hall.
Wingham High School vice captains Holly Schwebel and Billy Bartlett attended and performed the speech, reproduced below:
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. A camaraderie. A fellowship. A service. A sacrifice.
This morning we gather to pay homage to those who served, and those who lost their lives fighting for the world in which we now live.
Before I begin, I’d like to begin by remarking on the importance of the Dawn Service. The Dawn Service commemorates the original military routine followed by the Australian Army. At the half-light of dawn, soldiers were armed and ready for attack so that, as the sun rose, their daily duties could begin. As we still commemorate it now, this was known as the ‘First Light’.
After World War I, dawn vigils were held and soldiers still remarked on the comradeship felt during those peaceful moments before dawn. In 1927, our first Dawn Service was held in the Memorial, and has occurred ever since. Today marks the Memorial’s 90th official Anzac Day Dawn Service.
This year’s theme for Anzac Day is ‘Service and Sacrifice’, honouring not only the men who died for their country, but also the men who served, in any way, shape or form. In these wars, no one life was more important than the other. No one person should be honoured more than the rest. The Anzacs were not individual—they were unified.
One hundred and three years ago, World War I was decreed. One hundred and two years ago, Australia and New Zealand’s first large militaristic action was taken. Beginning on the dawn of April 25, for which we celebrate this day, the Battle of Gallipoli was fought.
One hundred and one years ago, The Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun caused heavy losses among Allied troops. One hundred years ago, the Battle of Passchendaele marked one of the blackest days in Allied history. And 99 years ago, our Anzacs marched home wearied but victorious, having successfully protected their country.
Every year since this time, Australians have gathered to share in the communal appreciation and mourning of men as young as 15 who left their home shores in 1914 and laid their life on the line to protect their country from invasion and incapacitation. As a community, we lay wreaths, wear poppies and rosemary, bow our heads, and conduct a minute of silence, as together we share in the loss and wellbeing that have been brought to us. Like the Anzacs, this communal celebration brings us together. It could even be said that, 103 years later, the Anzacs are still unifying Australians through their service and sacrifice.
In history classes, you learn that World War I was about more than just the weaponry, tactics, and resources obtained and developed during the years. Historians state that one of the most driving forces behind Allied victory was attitude. It was war weariness that collapsed the German home front. But it was our Australian courage, strength, attitude, and inability to give in that helped our soldiers to march on.
Anzac Day, however, is about more than just celebrating those who fought in World War I. Though this battle originally coined the phrase, many more sacrifices have been made by Australia. However, this in no way makes the achievements of World War I any less important.
Anzac Day commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives or served in any battle, conflict, or war, in which they fought for the betterment of their country. This includes World War II, The Vietnam War, and, more recently, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, in which Australian soldiers are still currently engaged.
Despite the difference in conflict, battles, and reasons for fighting, one thing has remained the same: the Australian mateship and bravery that has transcended age and era. The Australian spirit which goes beyond a class of people, a period in history, or a specific organization. The Australian spirit which has, and will continue, to lead Australians to victory in the face of all conflicts and dangers.
An Australian spirit that can be seen amongst all of those gathered here today. It is also due to your nationalism and recognition that Australia can foster and nurture new generations into adapting these attitudes necessary for war survival.
No one person or group can ever claim complete victory for any aspect of war. It is due to the attitudes and spirit as a combined group, both nationally and on the home front, that have allowed us to achieve the incredible results we have obtained thus far.
Anzac Day also hopes to deliver us from any future conflicts which will cause the same loss and fatalities as World War I and World War II have. We hope that through our recognition and understanding of the sacrifice and service of those in our past, we can create a more peaceful Australian life free from conflict in the future.