AT 5AM on Friday, 25 April, final preparations were quietly made for Dungog’s Anzac Day services and march, amid many speculative glances at the sky.
But the rain of the previous days held off, as a blanket of thick fog haloed streetlights and muted sounds – intensifying the pensive atmosphere.
By 5.30am, around 140 people, more than in previous years, had assembled for the Dawn Service outside the Dungog Memorial RSL Club.
It was to the club that most later adjourned for breakfast.
Around 10am, the marchers, including the Light Horse, assembled near the Dungog Post Office in Dowling Street.
They set off from there, turned left at Brown Street and proceeded to the Cenotaph.
Numbers also increased for the main service at 10.45am, with approximately 200 people present.
Wing Commander David Johnstone gave the Commemorative Address.
He explained why Anzac Day, which he described as “the first major test of Australians in the field of battle” is “treated with a respect and reverence not given to many other Australian public holidays.”
Partway through his address, an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from Williamtown screamed low overhead.
Local Vietnam veteran Nick Helyer also delivered an address about HMAS Australia.
The solemn services included prayers from Reverend Kimberley Hodges and Father Andrew Doohan.
Bugler Bob Humphries played the Last Post and Reveille, while the Dungog choir led the singing at both services.
The Australian and New Zealand national anthems were sung at the end of both services.
The American national anthem was also sung at the main service, in recognition of the US contingent present.
These aviators are on an interservice exchange program at Williamtown, where the day’s Catafalque Party from 2 Battalion are also based.
As the fog burned off and the day warmed up quickly, President of the Dungog RSL sub-Branch Neil Tickle said the Catafalque Party had “earned their money”.
Wreaths were laid by community organisations, schools, emergency services, council representatives, businesses and clubs as well as individuals and families.
In Clarence Town, a large crowd gathered in the morning mist for a Dawn Service.
In attendance were Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, and Steve Low AM – a Dungog Shire councillor with 20 years experience in the RAAF.
Lest we forget.
By Lisa WISEMAN
