Big turn out for Anzac tributes

On April 25, 1915, the Anzacs landed in Gallipoli during the early stages of World War I.

Ninety-seven years on, their legacy has not been forgotten as nearly 2500 people of all ages attended the traditional Anzac Day dawn service at the Bunbury WarMemorial to pay their respects to those who served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Picture by David Bailey: Vietnam veteran Max Dahl, 81, enjoys a lighter moment during Bunbury’s Anzac Day service yesterday.

The early morning service was followed by a well-attended Jim Westbrook Memorial Breakfast while the mid-morning service also drew a big crowd, with many Bunbury residents watching on as representatives from schools, the emergency services and Armed Forces marched as one along Blair Street.

Guest of honour Wing Commander DesMitting spoke about his time in the RAAF before Lance Corporal Brett Corkery played the Last Post.

Bunbury RSL president Glen Stoddard said he was thrilled with turnout to both services, particularly from the younger generations.

He said it was the best crowd he had seen at a dawn service in many years.

‘‘It was great to see the amount of younger people involved in today’s services,’’ Mr Stoddard said.

‘‘There’s a lot of education going into schools now and there’s a lot more people coming on board.

‘‘I think it was fantastic to see so many people at the service, it seems to be getting bigger every year.’’

Mr Stoddard, a Vietnam veteran, said Anzac Day was a day of remembrance.

‘‘It means a lot to me because being a veteran and knowing people that have lost their lives, it’s a day to remember all those wars and all those people that have lost their lives,’’ he said.