Hundreds of people gathered in the Denmark town centre on Anzac Day, coming together to honour the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women.
The formalities began earlier in the day with the traditional dawn service at 5.45am before a moving march of veterans, RSL members and locals took place at 10.30am that honoured and remembered those who served.
The ceremony was led by Denmark RSL president Alan Davies who welcomed the crowd to the annual service.
A moving musical tribute followed, with the Denmark Senior High School choir and band performing Waltzing Matilda, alongside the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
Mark Davies, also from the RSL, delivered a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields, setting a reflective tone for the morning.
Keynote speaker Alex Sleeman spoke about the evolving nature of service and remembrance.
“We pause to reflect on a legacy that stretches across more than a century,” he said.
“It’s a legacy of courage, sacrifice and service to something larger than ourselves, but it’s also a legacy that continues to evolve because of the face of the Australian veteran is changing.”
Dr Sleeman encouraged the community to continue supporting veterans of all backgrounds.
“Today, as we honour their memory, let’s carry that spirit forward,” he said.
“Let’s recognise the veterans among us, young and old, men and women, those who served overseas and those who served at home.
“Let’s acknowledge their strength, their challenges and their ongoing contribution to our communities, and let’s commit, in their honour, to looking after each other.
“Lest we forget.”
Among the dignitaries to lay wreaths were Mr Davis, Dr Sleeman, representatives from St John WA and Denmark Primary School, before members of the public were invited to place sprigs of rosemary in a personal act of remembrance.
For many in attendance, the day held deep personal meaning.
Veteran Wayne Redman reflected on his six years of naval service, including deployment to East Timor.
“It means remembering all the people I served with and we’ve lost a few through cancer and suicide,” he said.
Others including Robert Burgoyne honoured family connections and reflected on his time in service.
“A lot of people who serve get very emotional,” he said.
“Its a very emotional time for those who have served, talking about people who have committed suicide.
“Anzac to me is remembering they made a supreme sacrifice and we should remember that.”
Lifeline: 13 11 14
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