Full to the brim: This year’s Anzac Day dawn service in Moama drew a record crowd. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
This year’s dawn service in Moama saw a crowd of more than 1500 at the Moama Cenotaph in the early hours of Anzac Day.
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The service was led by Moama RSL sub-branch president and Vietnam veteran Ken Jones.
Beginning with a prayer, Mr Jones spoke about the importance of honouring those who fought for our country, especially those who lost their lives.
The Ode of Remembrance was recited before the story of local Anzac Alfred Anders was told.
Private Alfred Anders, from Moama, served in the 2nd Australian Machine Gun Battalion during World War I.
He was killed in Harbonnieres, France, in the line of fire on September 4, 1918, just five weeks before the end of the war.
Each year, Moama RSL Sub-Branch tells the story of a home-grown war hero to pass on their legacy and honour the Ode.
The Last Post was played by bugler Laticia Tomkinson before a minute of silence was observed, and theReveille was played.
Laticia is a member of the Echuca Federal Band and has played at numerous Anzac and Remembrance Day services in Echuca-Moama.
NSW Sstate Member for Murray Helen Dalton delivered a speech to the record crowd, reflecting on the many wars Australians have fought in.
Community leaders: RSL sub-branch president Ken Jones and NSW State Member for Murray Helen Dalton. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
The service was finished with a closing prayer and an invitation to the RSL for a Gunfire Breakfast. Mr Jones also encouraged attendees to come back for the inaugural march.
Mr Jones said it felt good to see so many people turn out for the early-morning service.
“I’d hate to estimate the amount of people that were here,” he said.
“We could see people all the way out down to the bridge, and up the road (Meninya St) behind us.
“It was bigger than last year, and they estimated last year was over 1500.”
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