The weather may have been grim but that didn’t stop a large group of Young residents from paying their respects at Town Hall early on Tuesday morning at the Anzac Day Dawn Service.
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There was a big turn out for the poignant service that began at 6am with rain coming down.
Though the rain poured, residents came out in support to attend the service before many headed towards the Young Services Club to attend a breakfast.
Due to the rain RSL Sub-branch president John Walker changed the venue of the 11 am Memorial Service from Anderson Park to the Young Town Hall and the traditional Anzac Day march was called off.
Mr Walker said he was concerned for the welfare of some of the elderly participants.
“We assessed the risk and with the benefit of long range weather forecasts we decided to cancel the march and hold the service indoors,” he said.
“We could not put any of the marcher’s in danger, the route was very wet and if someone slipped and fell it would have spoiled the day.
“Judging by the size of the turnout in the hall I think it is fair to say the public supported the move.”
Mr Walker paid tribute to the sacrifice made by Anzacs in Gallipoli and WW2, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“On this day we remember the sacrifice of Australian men and women for an ideal, for a way of life,” he said.
“The Anzac spirit is also about pledging the core of courage, endurance, duty and love of country that diggers hold so dear.
“As we reflect today on all the conflicts and peacekeeping missions in which Australians have been involved and the many incredibly dangerous situations faced by our defence forces, mateship is the one thing that stands out.”
Young Uniting Church Pastor Adrian Single’s speech reflecting on the story of a returned digger, hit a nerve with many in the Town Hall.
School children from all Young schools laid wreaths and school Captains made poignant speeches of commemoration rather than celebration, which echoed the thoughts of many on the day.