ANZAC Day Commemorations came a little early at Peter Sinclair Gardens Aged Care Facility last week.

It was standing room only for the moving ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand troops landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

It was also a time of sad reflection.

Barry Whiteman from the RSL Sub branch noted, “We’ve lost 13 veterans in the past 12 months so these ceremonies are very important to remember them.”

Mr Whiteman went on to add, “So let us mourn with pride, but let us also remember with equal pride those who served and still live.”

Women in wartime were remembered as too was a dedication from Kemal Ataturk, Commander of the Turkish 19^th Division during the Gallipoli campaign.

Guest speaker Sheran Silva from the Williamtown Air Force Base gave a moving speech.

“Respect, honour, comradeship and service are just some of the words which come to mind,” Sheran said.

“This great nation has given me a number of opportunities for which I am grateful, therefore I wanted to give something back, ultimately driving my decision to serve my country and join the Australian military.”

“It is the spirit of the ANZACs which continues to flow through all Australians, courage, good humour, and mateship.”

The RSL’s Barry Whitman responded. “We’re a very lucky country when we have people of your calibre serving.”

The Myall Melodians added their beautiful voices to the commemorations.

The official ceremony ended with the traditional laying of the wreaths.

By Margie TIERNEY