A dawn-held tradition
THE sun remained hidden as thick fog clouded an already black sky yet person after person made their way to the centre of the Rose City to stand as one and pay their respects to our fallen, past and present service men and women.
It is an early morning tradition that is designed to emanate the time in which countless brave men stormed the shores of Gallipoli on the ill-fated morning of April 25, 1915.
Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott said it was wonderful to see so many people at the dawn service yesterday.
"From what I am hearing it was bigger than ever," Mrs Vellacott said.
"This seems to be what we are seeing all over the nation with people making the effort and wanting to be a part of it all."
Mrs Vellacott said the fog added to the day's atmosphere.
"The fog added a different mood but worked because we always try and set the mood with bagpipes being played from the top of the Town Hall," she said.
The dawn service was part of a joint effort between the Southern Downs Regional Council and the Warwick RSL Sub-Branch, Mrs Vellacott said.
"We all work together to make sure the Anzac Day commemorations run smoothly and are meaningful for everyone who attends," she said.
"The RSL arrange for guests and speakers and we arrange to have the appropriate sound equipment and seats."
Sub-branch president John Skinner said he was pleased with the service.
"The crowd at the dawn service was just outstanding," Mr Skinner said.
"It was the biggest crowd I have ever seen."
