In the dark of the early morning shapes moved quickly and purposefully towards the war memorial at Beach Street, Merimbula. By 5.45am a crowd of over 500 had already gathered, silently watching a screen on which students from Lumen Christi Catholic College gave a re-enactment of veterans telling their stories.
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And still the crowds came, silently adding to the numbers.
At 6am, still dark, the silence was pierced by the first of three fireworks, shooting across the Merimbula skyline, bursting in a bright red glow, a potent reminder of the horrors of the battlefield, where shells bombarded the Anzacs, lighting up the sky with that same red glow.
In his address, Merimbula RSL Sub Branch president, Doug Beaumont reminded those gathered of the significance of the day. "At around 4.30am on April 25, 1915 the first Anzacs landed at on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Men of the 3rd Australian Brigade were the first Anzac troops ashore.
"These days we do not glorify war. All we ask is the simple recognition of the sacrifice, commitment and unselfish devotion by those men and women who served so valiantly for their country and what they believed in, so much so, that many knowingly went to their deaths."
- Doug Beaumont, president, Merimbula RSL Sub Branch
"The Anzacs were evacuated in December 1915, and by then some 8700 Australians and 2700 New Zealanders had been killed. In total the Gallipoli campaign cost the lives of around 44,000 Allied and 86,000 soldiers."
Mr Beaumont said: "By your presence here I know there is no doubt in your hearts and your minds that today is especially significant. In cities and towns throughout Australia and overseas, ceremonies like this are a permanent reminder that our Anzacs thought this wonderful country of ours was worth fighting and dying for."
The simple but poignant service served to reiterate Mr Beaumont's words: "These days we do not glorify war. All we ask is the simple recognition of the sacrifice, commitment and unselfish devotion by those men and women who served so valiantly for their country and what they believed in, so much so, that many knowingly went to their deaths."
The plaque behind Mr Beaumont showed that 11 young men from Merimbula alone gave their lives in the First World War.
There was also a modern day message as Mr Beaumont asked everyone to remember the Australian Defence Force members who left, and who still leave the security of Australia to ensure our continued security.
Many wreaths were laid by service and community organisations before The Ode was read and the Last Post sounded.
In silence, heads were bowed for two minutes as the dawn slowly made its way up over the horizon and Reveille sounded to remind us of another day.
