VETERANS and serving defence force personnel have been busy steaming their suits and polishing their shoes ahead of Friday’s Anzac Day commemorations across the Hastings and Camden Haven.
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are also preparing to march with medals proudly pinned to their chests, to honour relatives who were killed in battle or who have since died.
Pubs and clubs are gearing up for a huge afternoon spent “toasting” all servicemen and women while, for the first time, all retailers except pharmacies will be closed for the entire day.
This year marks 110 years since Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsular in Türkiye, hoping to take control of the Dardanelles Strait and force the Ottoman Empire out of WWI.
While the operation was a failure, the bravery and fighting prowess of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) became legendary.
The original Anzacs have gone but the day now honours all members of our defence forces who have served in conflicts and military operations since 1915.
This year, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RA Sigs) celebrates its centenary and will lead marches around the country.
The RA Sigs has provided electronic warfare and communications support from the days of radio through to the current satellite technology.
Most communities around the region will come together this 25 April. Following are the major public services.
Port Macquarie: Dawn Service (assembling from 5am), March (from 10am, arriving for the Commemorative Service at 10.30am). Both centre on the Town Square at the intersection of Clarence and Horton streets. The square will be closed from midnight Thursday to midday Friday. The road will be closed from the corner of Horton and William streets to Horton and Clarence streets from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Port Macquarie Services at Dawn (5:30am) and Morning (10:30am) at Town Square.
Laurieton: Dawn Service (5.30am), March (from Laurieton United Services Club at 10.20am to the Laurieton Cenotaph). Between 10am and midday, Kew Road will be closed at the intersection of Castle Street; Bold Street will be closed at the intersection of Tunis Street; and Seymour Street will be closed at the intersection of Bold and McLennan streets. LUSC will operate courtesy buses.
Wauchope: Dawn Service (5.30am) Commemorative Service (11am). Both will be at the Wauchope War Memorial. Roads will be closed between 5am-6.30am and 9.30am-12.30pm at Cameron Street between King and Webb streets, Young Street between Hastings and Cameron streets and Bransdon Street between Young and High streets.
Kendall: Dawn Service (5:30am) and Memorial Service (10am). Both will be held at the Kendall War Memorial. Between 9.30am and 11.30am, Albert Street will be closed at the intersection of Batar Creek Road; Comboyne Street will be closed at the intersection of Graham Street; and Jackson Street will be closed at the intersection of Albert Street.
Your shout
Memories will continue to be shared long into the afternoon as diggers and their families gather at the region’s pubs and clubs.
Rhys Birrane of Club Lake Cathie and Alistair Flower of Flower Hotels are encouraging patrons to keep up the Aussie tradition of “shouting” a drink for the men and women wearing their medals on Anzac Day, with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce already donating a couple of rounds at Lake Cathie.
Licensed venues are exempt from the State Government’s trading restrictions, in recognition of their role in supporting veterans, both socially and through community projects.
Restrictions are also lifted on the gambling game of two-up.
Normally off-limits, the game played by soldiers during their downtime on the battlefield, is part of the Anzac Day tradition.
By Sue STEPHENSON
