The major centres of Bega, Merimbula and Eden always draw large crowds to honour the men and women who put their lives on the line – in many cases making the ultimate sacrifice – in the name of our country.  

But smaller towns such as Bemboka, Bermagui, Candelo, Cobargo, Pambula, Tathra and Wolumla still draw out hundreds who respect the spirit of the Anzacs. 

For instance out of a town of under 600 people, around 150 turned out for Bemboka’s service, with one regular attendee still saying this year’s event was the smallest they had seen. 

Another point showing local commitment to honouring those in the forces was made by a Bermagui RSL sub-branch member, who said more people regularly turn up for the town’s dawn service than the main service at 11am. 

While most people have the day off from work for the holiday it shows many decide instead of sleeping in and having a relaxing morning at home, they would prefer to wake up, brave the cold and make the walk in the early morning dark to their town’s war memorial in order to pay their respects to the Anzacs. 

Perhaps it is the beauty of seeing the sun rise during a melancholy occasion, or the peace and stillness of the hour which makes it easier to feel closer to our Anzac ancestors that draws people out at this time.  

When attending these services you can sense the reverence towards the Anzacs as well as the pride that comes from committees and RSL sub-branches organising the events. 

This attitude has been passed down to the younger generation. Teenagers and children alike can be spotted at dawn and morning services. School pupils line up to be part of the marches and during services some read poems or give speeches they have written themselves after researching the history of the Anzacs.  

The last Australian male veteran of World War 1 died in Perth in 2011 after reaching 110 years of age and enlisting when he was only 14. 

It is heartening to see the lives of he and many others are still remembered and respected through youths participating in the services well into this century.