On Sunday, April 25, Kempsey Shire will gather once again, in person and in spirit for Anzac Day, to commemorate the men and women who have served our nation during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
After the scaled back ceremonies of 2020, many veterans are looking forward to the return of Anzac Day celebrations this year following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The 2021 events will include a traditional dawn service, Anzac Day marches and main services across the Macleay Valley.
Kempsey Macleay RSL sub-Branch president Allan Wardrope said the return to almost normal services means a great deal to local veterans.
"It is a time for the community to come together to reflect on the nation's courage and the brave service of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
There are a number of commemoration services occurring throughout the day.
Kempsey
Dawn Service
A march will be led from the Kempsey Memorial Hall at 5.20am to the East Kempsey Cenotaph, where a dawn service will begin at 5.30am.
Coffee and tea will be served from 4.30am at Kempsey Memorial Hall prior to the march.
Main Service
Those who are marching will assemble at the service station on Sydney Street, across from the netball courts and will march to the East Kempsey Cenotaph at 10.30am.
The Anzac Day main service to follow will begin at 11am.
A barbeque lunch will be held at the RSL Memorial Hall at 12pm.
Crescent Head
The Anzac Day main service will take place at the memorial in Lloyd Park at 9am.
South West Rocks
Dawn Service
The Dawn Service will begin at 5.30am at the Cenotaph.
A sausage sizzle breakfast will also be held at the RSL sub-Branch Hall following the service.
Main Service
Those who are marching will assemble at the Paragon street carpark at 10.30am.
The march will turn left into Prince Of Wales Avenue, turn left onto Livingstone Street and up to the South West Rocks Cenotaph.
The main service will begin at 11am at the Cenotaph.
Other main services
Bellbrook at 10.50am
Gladstone at 10.50am
Frederickton at 9am
Hat Head at 10am
Willawarrin at 9am
For those unable to attend a service in person, a COVID-safe national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial and televised across the nation.
