The roar of a F-35A Lightning II jet from RAAF Base Williamtown jolted to attention one of the biggest crowds ever seen at an Anzac Day ceremony held at the Nelson Bay cenotaph.
Thousands of people lined Stockton Street to witness the march past, a tradition that had been missing for the past two years due to COVID-19, which set off from Nelson Bay Bowling Club at 10.15am and ended in Apex Park.
The parade featuring veterans, Defence personnel, families and school children, made its way to the memorial where an estimated 3500 to 4000 people had gathered for the service, which was hosted by Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch.
President Tom Lupton said he was thrilled to see the number of young people and children who mingled with older veterans and mums and dads.
"We had a strong attendance at the dawn service and one of the biggest crowds stretching across Apex Park and all the way along Victoria Parade."
Despite the rain catching many people without cover, every person in attendance from the youngest to the oldest remained resolute throughout The Ode, The Last Post, The Rouse, The Prayer and the Laying of the Wreaths.
The address was delivered by RAAF Williamtown's Group Captain Jason Easthope, who described the courage of the Australian and New Zealand forces on that that day, April 25, 1915, now etched in our national identity.
"It was the moment mateship, courage, and personal sacrifice was enshrined within us," GPCAPT Easthope said.
"In the silence before dawn, our soldiers stormed the beaches at Gallipoli. Despite thick scrub and heavy waterlogged uniforms, these young, untested men advanced steadily onwards and upwards; towards gunfire, impossible terrain and a determined enemy who occupied all the high ground."
"This fierce opposition would test our young soldiers to the core and we would pay a heavy price. In December 1915, eight months after landing, the allied forces withdrew after both sides had endured great hardships and suffered massive casualties.
"The Allied casualties were enormous; of those, approximately 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders died and around 24,000 Anzacs were wounded."
"The 'Anzac legend' became an integral part of our nations' identities, shaping the way we view both the past and future. The scars of that fateful campaign, the sacrifice and hardship, polarized us as a nation, to stand together on this day and acknowledge the price we have paid.
"Since that fateful day, we gather not only for those original Anzacs, but we gather and acknowledge the sacrifices made over many wars and conflicts. We pay tribute to all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We cherish the dwindling opportunities to say thank you to our World War 2 veterans, we acknowledge the sacrifices from Korea to Malaya, Borneo to Vietnam, Afghanistan to Iraq. We acknowledge those who have served and we thank those who still serve today.
"We stand here today because over 100,000 names are on war memorials throughout or nation. We stand here today as the recipients of their legacy. We stand here because - they gave their today for our tomorrow.
"Together in solidarity, we remember not only the Anzacs but all soldiers, sailors and aviators lost in all wars. May we take courage from their bravery and always remember their sacrifice."
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