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ANZAC Day crowds overwhelmed

Fire services representatives remember the fallen by placing a wreath the war memorial in Wahgunyah.

Hundreds of people flocked to the region’s war memorials to honour our ANZACS on Thursday.

Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun shone on commemorative services at both Wahgunyah and Corowa on Thursday with overwhelming crowd numbers delighting organisers.

It was a full house, and street, for the ANZAC day service at Memorial Park in Wahgunyah.

“We were really impressed,” Corowa RSL Sub-Branch president Lesley Rinehart said.

“I was so surprised at the length of the parade this year, having so many children and schools involved was wonderful.

“And it just seemed to have so much more meaning with them all participating.”

Horses carrying Australian flags lead the largest parade the Corowa RSL Sub-branch have ever seen.

The services at both Wahgunyah and Corowa highlighted and honoured the remarkable contributions of local residents to protecting and defending our country, recognising the service men and women of times past as well as those currently serving.

One of those was Corowa resident of ten years, Rebecca Wyatt who is fourth generation military personnel.

“It’s just a part of my DNA that I am so proud of,” Ms Wyatt said.

Ex-Corowa weapons technician trainee Rebecca Wyatt holds her position as a member of the catafalque party at Corowa’s war memorial.

“I have four generations on both sides of my family who were all in the Australian Defence Forces.

“I am so very proud of what they all done. It was always what I was going to do too.”

As a trainee, Ms Wyatt’s service also consists of contributing to the community and so when the opportunity arose to revisit Corowa as a member of the catafalque party at the ANZAC service, she was honoured to be selected.

“It’s a lot of work in preparation for this event,” she said.

“For about a month leading up to ANZAC day we train three times a week for at least an hour to ensure that our timing and positioning is all perfect as a party.

Students from Lowesdale Primary School offer their respect and remembrance with a wreath in Corowa.

“I was really pleased to be able to be a part of the Corowa service.”

Though each service was unique in its execution, the message from the community was clear through the sheer number of guests and attendees alone.

“We have a wonderful commemorative committee that help put these events together,” Ms Rinehart said.

“But it was the people who came out to participate that made it what it was.

“The Guides wheeling the oldies so that they could be a part of it all, the children and the families.

“We’re thrilled to bits. It was extraordinary really.

“The best ANZAC day in years.”