TOM HAYES
By TOM HAYES
HUNDREDS of locals braved the cold weather for Traralgon’s Dawn Service on the morning of ANZAC Day.
The traditional ceremony was well-attended after past years of COVID forced locals to pay respects within restrictions.
Between 5.30am and 6am, hundreds of people parked around the town and flocked to the Traralgon cenotaph for the early morning service.
The fog was still clearing as the numbers rolled in, listening respectfully as the sun rose over the town.
I’m not sure if it was the chilled weather or the rendition of The Last Post that gave me goose bumps, but hearing it aloud is a special moment.
As veterans laid wreaths and paid their respects, the silent nature of the crowd was once again bone chilling.
Soon after, the streets were back to their quiet self, as people set off to celebrate ANZAC Day however they like, whether that be visiting more services or going to the footy.
ANZAC Day can mean a lot to different people, but it is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates those who served and died in wars.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
