As Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson and Mayor Col Murray prepare to attend Anzac Day services around the district, both have reflected on the meaning of the day.

Tamworth RSL Sub-branch president Bob Chapman also encouraged community members to respectfully enjoy the day.

“I hope the returned servicemen and women and the serving personnel enjoy the day and I certainly hope them and our civilian population, the people of the Tamworth district, don’t treat (it) as just a holiday,” Mr Chapman said.

“Treat it as a day of reflection, think about what Anzac Day is all about and the commitment that those who served did for us.

“They died, and a lot were wounded and still suffer today. We need to keep that in mind and focus on that commitment.

“The freedoms that we enjoy are because of our predecessors who have gone before us to ensure that we do enjoy the life and times that they unfortunately can not.” 

Cr Murray said his father fought in the World War II and both his grandfathers fought in Word War I.

“From a personal point of view, Anzac Day has a very deep meaning to me,” he said.

“I think it is a great privilege that those who make the significant and ultimate sacrifice have left us with such a great legacy. 

“It is amazing how our children are taught to understand what Anzac Day means and as we see the younger generation coming through it seems to be getting stronger.

Mr Anderson is no stranger to military service and had served as an Australian Air Force signals operative.

“It’s a time of reflection, a time to pay our respects and to acknowledge and remember those who have not only fought for our country, but have died for our country,” Mr Anderson said.

”But also for those currently serving, whether it’s conflict or peace keeping – they have made this great country what it is today.”