ANZAC MARCH AND SERVICE: In Kootingal
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ANZAC MARCH: In Tamworth
ANZAC SERVICE: In Tamworth
THOUSANDS of Tamworth residents and visitors remembered the fallen from all conflicts in a sombre and moving Dawn Service this morning.
The focus of the dawn service this year was on the younger returned service personnel and the contributions of the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is celebrating its centenary in Tamworth this year and Tamworth RSL Sub-branch president Bob Chapman paid special tribute to them yesterday ((April 25)).
"Many an old digger, particularly the prisoners-of-war, would remember well the Red Cross parcels that gave them some comfort during their incarceration," he said.
Mr Chapman said the young veterans were front and centre this year because many had returned from Afghanistan and other conflicts and peacekeeping duties.
"This year, all but a handful of young, modern veterans are home," Mr Chapman said.
"Let us not forget them today who have returned here and still suffer the effects of war."
Tamworth High School laid a wreath on behalf of all schools and Mr Chapman thanked students and their families for still turning out in force to show their support.
"With school holidays, I think we got just as many, if not more this year and I thank the parents and school children for still attending and paying their respects," he said.
"I think, having fewer wreath layers, allowed us that little bit extra time to catch the dawn as it was breaking and the minute's silence."