THOUSANDS of people paid their respects to the men and women whose sacrifice helped shape Australia at Anzac Day services across the Wimmera on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 5000 people attended dawn and morning services at the Horsham Cenotaph at Sawyer Park.
The dawn service drew 3000 people, doubling last year’s turnout.
Horsham RSL sub-branch commemorative chairman David Eltringham said he was blown away by the community’s participation.
‘‘It was a record for both services,’’ he said.
‘‘It grows every year, but obviously this year’s crowd reflected the anniversary of 100 years since Gallipoli.
‘‘I think it also had a lot to do with the lead-up, including Camp Gallipoli, and the students’ participation.
‘‘It is amazing to see people who are a part of this community come out every year – today has just been amazing.’’
Horsham Mayor Mark Radford said it was important for the Horsham and district community to reflect on the people and actions that shaped our nation.
‘‘On Anzac Day, we try to understand what happened and why. But we can only imagine,’’ he said.
‘‘Anzac Day is about more than remembrance. It’s a call to action to keep the peace.’’
At Warracknabeal, crowds were up 50 per cent on last year, with about 400 people attending a special service at Anzac Park.
The service honoured Warracknabeal’s participation in war, with a focus on those who served at Gallipoli.
Record crowds also attended services at Nhill and Kaniva, with 500 people at Nhill’s dawn service and 300 at Kaniva’s service.
Stawell RSL president Geoff Reading said the response from the community on Anzac Day was magnificent.
‘‘We had more than 500 people at our dawn service and then at least double that number at our 11am service,’’ he said.
‘‘It was incredible – a lot more people than we have seen in years.
‘‘There are so many loyal people in the community who showed their respect for our fallen – it was an honour to be a part of something like that.’’
Mr Reading said the service honoured Stawell soldiers who died in the First World War.
‘‘Stawell Secondary College students read out the names of the 109 soldiers from Stawell and district who didn’t return home from the First World War,’’ he said.
‘‘Then primary school children placed plaques with the soldiers’ names on them throughout the rose garden.’’
Mr Reading said it was great to see so many students involved in the service.
‘‘They love doing it too, which is great to see,’’ he said.