Anzac Spirit recalled at Dawn Service

The sceme at the New Norfolk Dawn Service this morning.

LAST night's blustery conditions had largely fallen away by the time today's Anzac Day Dawn Service got under way.

Organised by the New Norfolk RSL Sub-Branch and the Derwent Valley Council, the  Dawn Service once again attracted a crowd of several hundred.

Before the parade set off from the RSL Club in George St just before 6am, parade marshal Dale Britten spoke briefly about the posthumous awarding of the Distinguished Service Medal to the late New Norfolk veteran Ron Williams in November last year.

Mr Williams operated a well-known menswear business in New Norfolk but died in 1977, not knowing that his bravery in action in World War II had been recommended for one of the British Empire's highest military honours.

The Reverend Celia Hooker led the prayers and reflected on the Anzac spirit, which she described as perseverance and courage in the face of failure and despair. "The cost of war and peacekeeping is overwheling," Mrs Hooker said. "Today is indeed a day to honour all those people who served and to thank them for their willingness and bravery. To those of you who gave your young years and your innocence and some of your larrikinism for others... thank you."

The list of the fallen from World Wars I and II was read out by Dallas Baker and The Last Post was sounded by John O'Carroll from the Derwent Valley Concert Band. Mr O'Carroll also performed the national anthem, with the large audience quietly singing along.

All is now quiet at the New Norfolk Cenotaph but from about 10.30am participants in the main Anzac Day parade will start to assemble at Arthur Square at the corner of High and Stephen streets. The parade will set off at about 10.45am for the main service at the Cenotaph at 11am.

There will also be an 11am service at the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool, Gordon River Rd.