_fct684x513x98.0_ct1880x930.jpg "Darren Hatton wears his father Peter's medals, while Abby Hatton wears her great-grandfather David's medals and Kaleb Driscoll wears Darren's great-aunt Pat White's medals at the Warwick Anzac Day service.")
Family shares pride in Warwick Anzac Day service
WARWICK may be a small town, but its connection to Anzac Day and a rich military history is large.
Thousands turned out for Anzac Day commemorations in the Rose City yesterday, many donning medals; not only their own but also those of relatives.
For some it was a chance to reflect on the sacrifice of thousands of servicemen and women.
For others it was an opportunity to embrace family tradition and show pride in their family history.
Across Leslie Park there were countless stories of military service and rich family histories.
Anzac Day is steeped in tradition for the Hatton family.
Warwick man Darren Hatton and his two children Abby and Kaleb proudly wore their military relatives medals on their chests.
Mr Hatton's late father Peter served 40 years in the Army reserve, while his grandfather David and great-aunt Pat White served in the Second World War.
He described the feeling of pride in taking part of Anzac Day.
"It's bloody great - a proud day," he said.
"I don't think I've ever missed one."
For his mother Denise, it was an emotional day remembering her husband who passed away two years ago.
"Peter joined the National Service when he was 17," she said.
"He was the flag orderly at the Anzac Day services here for many years, he would come and do all the services.
"He only ever missed one and that was when he was sick in hospital before he died."
The commemorations at Leslie Park closed with the fade away ceremony, a touching tribute unique to Warwick's Anzac Day service.
