THE rain held off and the crowd wore rosemary sprigs in Kendall for the community's ANZAC Commemoration Service on Friday.
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Marchers gathered in Comboyne Street Kendall before making their way up to the cenotaph in the Kendall War Memorial Park.
Lilly Howard and Livinia Deutscher lead members of the Camden Haven Pony Club as they rode immediately behind the marchers. Livinia held a photograph of young rider Ella Niddrie's great grandfather, Ian Baker.
Guest speakers included Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams, who gave the ANZAC address, and Ron Bowyer who lead the commemoration of the fallen. Prayers were also offered by Kendall RSL Sub-Branch President Lance Gainey and Jim Manfield, who also raised the flag.
The duty to sound Reveille fell to young bugler Christopher Findlay, who also played The Last Post. Betty Boyd sang the traditional hymn, Abide With Me.
Camden Haven High School vice-captains Tainga Savage and Chloe Lockhart spoke about the memorial trees in nearby Laurieton and assured the crowd that Australians both young and old understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the people of our local community. Tainga said it was an honour to take part in the service.
Chloe also paid tribute to the contribution women made to the war effort, including local woman Nancy Bird-Walton. Former captain Bethany Hocking also participated in the service, leading the prayer of thanksgiving.
Wreaths were laid by Leslie Williams, Justin Levido on behalf of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, plus members of the public and representatives of Camden Haven High School, Kendall Public School, Laurieton Sea Scouts, Kendall Services & CItizens Club, Kew Country Club, Kendall RSL and the CWA.
91 year old veteran Gordon Preece, from Bonny Hills, commented on the large crowd.
"We have only recently moved back to the area but attended the service here about 14 years ago and there were not nearly as many people present that day," he commented.
Kendall RSL Sub-Branch President Lance Gainey was delighted with the attendance and made special mention of the involvement of young people in the service and the crowd showed their support for the move.
ANZAC Day crowds are expected to hit record levels across Australia next year, in light of the plans to commemorate 100 years since the Gallipoli landing.
