ANZAC Day is always a big day in Australia, ceremonies are held all over the country to honour those who serve in our armed forces, both past and present, and the pubs are packed with keen punters looking to take advantage of the one day a year they can play two-up.
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Hundreds from the community gathered for the ANZAC Day ceremony at the South West Rocks Cenotaph, united to give thanks to those who have devoted their lives to defending Australia.
Sing Australia South West Rocks Branch sang several hymns and songs, while representatives from the community spoke and led the assembled masses in prayer.
Two special guest speakers also took to the podium to share their thoughts on ANZAC Day.
First up was student Isabelle Preston who wrote an award winning essay on what Anzac Day means to her. Despite her young age, she spoke with confidence and wisdom.
"Those in our armed forces will never be forgotten as long as we remember them. Their courage, bravery and mateship should never be forgotten," she said.
"They are all heroes in my eyes."
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Next up was a former South West Rocks local PO Debbie Ridge RAN who was more than happy to make the long trip from Melbourne to share the day with her hometown and give the commemoration address.
"I grew up here; South West Rocks is my hometown, it means so much to me that I could come home and march with my family and friends," she said.
"ANZAC Day is a day to remember all the gallant men and women who have served their country.
"We enjoy the peace and easy existence that was purchased with Australian lives; each generation needs to remember that our happiness has come at a price.
"The term ANZAC has transcended a physical meaning; it has become a spirit."
PO Debbie Ridge is just short of reaching 12 years in our armed forces, her career started in the local Navy Cadets, and since leaving home all those years ago, she has seen two tours in the Gulf, and deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over 100,000 Australians have lost their lives in war, thousands more have been wounded. Lest we forget.
