Hundreds gathered for the Anzac Dawn Service of Remembrance at Mortdale Memorial Park this morning.
Each year the combined Dawn Service of Remembrance alternates between the Mortdale, Oatley and Penshurst RSL Sub-branches and this year it was hosted by the Mortdale RSL Sub-branch.
People were welcomed by Mortdale Sub-branch president John Delaney who reminded the crowd of the original Anzacs, the young men of Australia who by their deeds and sacrifice demonstrated to the world at Gallipoli that Australia was truly a nation.
“Let us take strength in the knowledge and hope that our sons and daughters will never forget the example set by their forefathers,” he said.
“We nurture the obligation of showing gratitude for the peace we enjoy and the responsibility of ensuring that the freedom and liberty so costly won, is not lost by our own indifference.”
The Anzac address was given by Reverend Frank Langford who commented that it was good to see the crowd this morning made up of all ages, young and old.
The Anzac Dedication was read by Oatley RSL Sub-branch president Bill Wright and the Ode to the Fallen was ready by Mortdale Sub-branch vice president Royce Lockhart.
Following the wreath laying, bugler Lauren Smart sounded the Last Post and Reveille and the Epilogue was read by Penshurst Sub-branch vice-president Kim Thompson.
The service concluded with the New Zealand national anthem sung by Amber Johnson and the Australian national anthem sung by Sing Australia St George.
