It was dark and quiet at Arncliffe Park at 5.30am on Anzac Day.
But not long afterwards people began to make their way across the grounds to the memorial - in ones and twos and in family groups, many carrying sleepy children, waiting for the 6am service.
War service medals were on show along with accents from various parts of the world.
It was the first time for such an event for some people.
Tessa, a resident and a Kiwi, had brought her two young daughters, Dviarni and Dakota, because she wanted them ‘‘to have the knowledge and know the history’’.
One of the regulars said the Arncliffe service usually attracted 50 to 100 people but it was soon obvious that the crowd would swell to more than 300.
RSL bugler Allison Hunter set the tone with the hymn Abide With Me and the parish priest from St Mary MacKillop at Rockdale, Father Brendan Quirk, conducted the service.
In his Anzac dedication, Father Quirk spoke about the Anzacs undergoing a baptism of fire to become one of the immortal names in history.
‘‘We, who are gathered here, think of those who went out to the battlefields but did not return,’’ he said.
‘‘We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their sacrifice.’’
Barton MP Nickolas Varvaris and former Rockdale councillor and mayor, now a member of the Legislative Council, Shaoquett Moselmane, laid wreaths.
Mr Moselmane said it was great the community was coming out in greater numbers.
‘‘I’ve been coming since 1994 and it’s good to see so many young people taking an interest,’’ he said.
‘‘But more should be encouraged to come.’’
The service ended with the national anthem and God Save the Queen.
Beryl Digby, a member of a monarchist organisation, was especially pleased with the old anthem.
She talked about the importance of empire which united many different people under the one flag.
‘‘Did you know that St George was a Turk, he was born in Cappadocia,’’ she said.
‘‘Saint Patrick was a Scot before bringing Christianity to Ireland and Saint Andrew was Jewish.’’
■ Children had starring roles at the Kogarah RSL ceremony at the memorial in Kogarah Park.
Kids from Brighton Seagulls, Rover Scouts and Kogarah RSL Youth Club, among others, took part in the 7am march from the club’s headquarters in Railway Parade to the memorial for the 7.15am service.
They marched to the beat set by Kogarah Municipal Band members.
Young people even spoke and laid wreaths.
Caitlin Lowe, 12, thanked the ‘‘nations of the world for seeking peace and co-operating with each other’’.
‘‘It is very important for young people to be involved in Anzac Day and to remember and commemorate wars,’’ said the student from Georges River Girls High School.
Kogarah councillor Lachlan McLean said it was great to see so many children involved.
His wife Samantha was one of the many people who wore war service medals from family members.
Mrs McLean wore medals awarded to her English grandfather Thomas Taylor who served in the Royal Navy and retired in Australia.
What was the highlight of your Anzac Day?