Thousands of community members from Echuca and the surrounding areas gathered on Thursday for the Echuca sub-branch Anzac commemoration service at the cenotaph outside Echuca Library.
Before the sun crept over the horizon, the Echuca RSL sub-branch held a dawn service to pay homage to the traditional stand-to, in which troops were woken so that by the first rays of dawn, they were in position and alert.
To lead proceedings later in the day, a march down Hare St at 10.30am featured members of various community groups, businesses, essential services, and veterans.
Then, the commemorative service began at 11am to honour those who lost their lives during the war protecting our country and its people.
A catafalque party comprising 301 Army Cadet Unit Echuca members stood guard over the cenotaph for the duration of the service.
Padre Ron Wood of the Echuca RSL and Lieutenant Sonia Edwards of the Salvation Army led the service in prayer and the Lord’s Prayer, respectively.
The guest speaker for the service was Commander Helen Ward of the Royal Australian Navy, who served in Baghdad, and the Indo-Pacific Endeavour addressed the crowd.
Following this were musical items from the Federal Band and St Joseph’s students, Josh Parker and Maggie Oliver.
Various community members and groups laid wreaths, and then the service observed a minute of silence, followed by the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand.
Padre Ron Wood delivered a benediction before Echuca RSL president Denis Shanahan gave final thanks to round out the commemoration.
Mr Shanahan was thrilled with how the service transpired despite some technical issues, and he was happy to unite a large portion of the community to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Today has gone extremely well for us. As usual, we had a few minor hiccups, but we expected that, and we got around it,” he said.
“We’ve had another great crowd again this year, and the schools and students who participated performed really well.
“It is essential that the whole community is here. With what is happening in society as a whole and the uncertainty in the world, it is important to get community spirit back together.
“Overall, it has been a good day, and it always brings the best parts out of people.”
Commander Ward grew up in Echuca and was excited to return to her hometown, especially on Anzac Day, a time she holds dear.
She was supported by her father, who was in attendance while she delivered the speech, which touched on the proud history of the Royal Australian Navy and stories of her time in Baghdad.
“It is really special to be here; I have wanted to come back for Anzac Day since I returned from Iraq,” she said.
“My dad was here today; he sat in the front row. Unfortunately, my mum can’t be here as she is having treatment in Bendigo, so I will have to go home and read my speech to her.
“It is always lovely to return here and see so many people, especially young people, in the crowd; it gets bigger every year.”
Commander Ward was heartened to see the community support in Echuca and Campaspe Shire for Anzac Day.
She also highlighted that through these commemorative services, we as Australians continue to honour the promise to remember those who gave their lives to keep our peace.
“I think the service and march were well organised and very well supported. You don’t see so much support like this all the time, but country towns do it really well,” she said.
“Everyone is so supportive, and it’s great to see so many people out here today.
“We as a country made a promise never to forget those we left behind in World War I to now; there are 103,000 Australians buried overseas.
“If the young community members of Australia can continue this tradition, we will be able to keep our promise, and they will never be forgotten.”