Year on year the Benalla community comes out in numbers on Anzac Day to honour those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The dawn service on Anzac Day (Tuesday, April 25), will commence at 6am at the Benalla Cenotaph.
The RSL is asking attendees to arrive by 5:45am for a 6am start.
The traditional Anzac Day march will then set off from the corner of Bridge and Nunn Sts at 10.30am with the community asked to gather at 10am in preparation between Nunn and Carrier Sts.
Benalla RSL member Delano Dube said a bus would be available for members and ex-service men and women of diminished mobility.
“The 11am service will be held at the Cenotaph following the march,” Mr Dube said.
“A tabloid of Light Horsemen and a fly-pass are expected.
“A gentle reminder that men should remove headwear during the Last Post and national anthems, weather permitting, unless in uniform.”
Benalla’s Anzac commemorations will begin on Saturday, April 22, with the RSL hosting an extra service at the War Cemetery.
It will begin at 10.30am, with attendees asked to gather 15 minutes earlier in preparation.
The Benalla War Cemetery is on Cemetery Rd, located past the Benalla Cemetery on the opposite side of the road.
Saturday will be a busy day, as it is also the day Devenish is holding its Anzac tribute.
That will feature a march, also beginning at 10.30am, finishing up under the town’s impressive silos.
It also has a guest poet, the Rose City Band performing, light horses, food, drink and much more.
Benalla RSL sub-branch member Ian May will host the service in Devenish.
As always, other townships across the area are also marking Anzac Day.
Thoona
Thoona CWA is inviting the community to attend its Anzac Day service at the Thoona Cenotaph at 11am, on April 25.
There will be a memorabilia display followed by morning tea.
Violet Town
Violet Town’s Dawn Service will commence at 6:15am followed by breakfast in the community rooms.
The School of Armour is once again providing the catafalque party.
The main service will commence at 11am, finishing with the short parade commencing at the main gate on Hyacinth St and finishing at Cowslip St.
Attendees are then welcome to come on over to the Ellen Francis for two-up, a drink and a bite to eat.
The guest speaker this year will be Sergeant Blake Simmington from the School of Armour.
Tatong
The Benalla RSL is hosting a service in Tatong Community Hall on Tuesday, April 25 commencing at 5pm.
The service will also be an opportunity for the community to officially open its newly built flagpoles, commemorative plaque and mural.
Wreaths will be laid and light refreshments served for all those attending.
This free event is being held later on Anzac Day than the traditional early morning services so that it does not clash with Benalla’s ceremonies.
Remember, RSL members are out and about selling badges and raising funds in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
You can find them outside Millers and Carlisle Art on Bridge St East; outside the Benalla West Post Office on Bridge St West and outside the Benalla Grocer on the corner of Clarke and Waller Sts.