Sunday, April 24, 2016

AUSTRALIA_ Anzac Day: Thousands gather for Sydney dawn service

ABC NEWS

Anzac Day: Thousands gather for Sydney dawn service

By Anne Tarasov
Updated about an hour ago



Photo: Images of veterans are displayed onto the side of a building at the 2016 Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts )

Thousands of people have gathered for the dawn service at Martin Place in Sydney as police announced they had charged a teenager with planning an act of terrorism on the eve of the event.

On a chilly morning in Sydney's centre, images were projected of the first generation of Anzacs, none of whom remain alive, onto sandstone buildings in Martin Place during the ceremony.

Jim Gilhooly, Anzac Day dawn service trust secretary, said 11,000 programs were printed and handed out for the service this year.

He said the turnout was smaller than at last year's service, but not by much.

"I love to see all the people that come out every year, young and old, it's excellent."

Young and old gather for service

Rosa Felkin and her husband Chris travelled from Brisbane to attend the Dawn Service.

Mr Felkin, who is 75, served in the Air Force, and he and his wife never miss a service, Ms Felkin said.

"He served in the Middle East, Kenya, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"I'm very proud he risked his life to save people, it's always very emotional.

"I always have tears in my eye when The Last Post plays."

Joshua Reynolds said members of his family fought in World Wars I and II, and he was wearing their medals in their honour.

"It's a sign of respect for my family to wear them," he said.

"It shows I remember what they did."

He said that Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the service of previous generations.

Joshua, who is from Taree, will be playing clarinet with the Sydney Youth Orchestra in a concert commemorating Anzac Day.

He said he has previously marched with the cadets, but he does not think other young people his age understand the sacrifices made by the Anzacs.

This year's march is the 100th to commemorate the Anzacs.

The first march proper was held on the second-ever Anzac Day, in 1916.

Retired Service's League NSW chief Rod White said this year was also the centenary of the RSL

"We're witnessing the passing of the baton, there will be two fewer World War II veterans this year," he said.

"We owe so much to that generation for getting us through that war and building this nation through the 1950s and 60s, and proportionally more young men and women who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and East Timor will be marching today."

Teenager arrested on terror charges

Speaking to the media at Martin Place, NSW Premier Mike Baird said he did not want news of a terrorism-related arrest and an increased police presence to overshadow the importance of the day.

"I think everyone is reminded of the wonderful job our police do ... That's exactly what we've seen again overnight," he said.

He said it was important to remember that today was about commemorating fallen servicemen and people should focus on that.

"If you're thinking of going, go," he said.

The news did not dampen the spirits of about 70 people who climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a unique dawn service.

Bridge Climb staff donated their time to facilitate the event and all profits from customers were donated to charities Soldier On and Wandering Warriors.

Soldier On Ambassador Phil Hayes St Clair said it was a special morning for everyone involved.

"We had 70 odd people here this morning - they're thinking about the sunrise, they're thinking about Australia and how could you not when you're looking at the Harbour Bridge and you're looking at the Opera House," Mr Hayes St Clair told the ABC.



Photo: An Anzac Day dawn service was held on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on April 25th, 2016. (Sydney Bridge Climb)

READ MORE: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-25/thousands-gather-for-sydney-anzac-day-dawn-service/7354808


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