Anzac Day 2021 has received huge support from the Young community.
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Traditional events were cancelled last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a massive response this morning as hundreds of residents participated in the march from Town Hall at 10.45am.
Many others lined the streets as the Veterans Motorcycle Group from Canberra led proceedings along Boorowa Street, Lynch Street and finally Lovell Street to Anderson Park for the morning service.
A large group of Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] members weren't far behind, followed by local veterans, community group members, emergency services personnel, teachers, students and more.
Major Phillip Mitchell, acting president of the Young RSL sub-branch, welcomed the official party and called on wreaths to be laid at the cenotaph.
He then introduced special guest Royal Australian Air Force Air Commodore Damien Keddie, who spoke proudly about the centenary of the RAAF in 2021, and the importance of Anzac Day.
"While the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign ended in the Allies' retreat and the loss of more than 8700 Australian lives, the courage, selflessness and mateship displayed by the soldiers of Anzac became legend. The 25th of April soon became the day on which all Australians remember the sacrifice of those who have died in war. Gallipoli is the birth place of the Anzac legend, but throughout World War I and all wars and conflicts since, the same courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty was witnessed on other fields of battle, including in the air," Air Commodore Keddie said.
"2021 marks the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force which was formed at Point Cook in Victoria on the 31st of March, 1921. From modest beginnings our Air Force has grown into a potent, world-class military force upon which Australia relies in both conflict and peace. When Australia needs us we are ready to respond.
"After remembering the past it's also important we focus on the present and future. Currently Air Force members are deployed to the Middle East, the United Nations mission in south Sudan, and are supporting Operation Resolute protecting Australia's borders.
"There is so much to be proud of in Air Force's first century and as an organisation we have an exciting future ahead."
Prayers throughout the service were read by students Joy Cass, Brady Noyes, Chantelle Huxtable and Liam Jewitt from Young High School and Hennessy Catholic College.
The service included hymns performed by Eris Gleeson and Julie and Peter and O'Connor.
They were supported by Young Town Band and Tuggernong Valley Band.
Bugler Liz Boland sounded the Last Post and Reveille.
Major Mitchell thanked the community for their support and everyone who helped make the Anzac Day events possible.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: How are you marking Anzac Day, 2021?