Record crowds of people, young and old, attended Anzac Day services in Nelson Bay in commemoration and remembrance of all those who have served and continue to serve the Australian Armed Forces.
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April 25 in Nelson Bay commenced with a an emotion-charged and touching dawn service conducted at the Apex Park Cenotaph under the rising sun.
Many of the early risers backed up for the main service which began with a solemn march starting from the Nelson Bay Bowling Club carpark at 10.30am.
Huge throngs of onlookers lined Stockton Street as war veterans strode alongside current serving members, families and schoolchildren towards Apex Park to the cheers of the crowd.
The main service - held under bright blues skies - was poignant in its delivery, drawing solemn moments mixed with words of honour, song, prayer and reflection.
Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch members joined with representatives from various organisations to pay tribute and respect to our men and women who served with valour and sacrifice.
The introduction and welcome was presented by Capt Aaran Melville and host, RSL Sub-Branch Tom Lupton, ensured the order of proceedings was maintained. Chaplain Raphael Abboud provided the epilogue while bugler Angelia Gordon gave a heartwarming rendition of The Last Post and Reveille.
Port Stephens schoolchildren stood beside 90-plus year old veterans to lay wreaths at the memorial watched by an estimated 10,000-plus crowd who had squeezed into every vantage point available to catch a glimpse of the commemoration.
Also in attendance were representatives from RAAF Base Williamtown, Australian Army and Navy, Police, RSL Women's Auxiliary, Legacy, SES, Marine Rescue, Port Stephens Council, state and federal members, and all public and private schools.
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