YOUNG and old gathered to pay their respects to soldiers who paid the ultimate price for their country at Darlington Point on Saturday.
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Four students from Darlington Point Public School addressed the crowd assembled.
“April 25th, 2015 marks the 100 year anniversary of landing at Gallipoli,” Rohan Lacey, 12, said.
“We are gathered here to honour those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country,” he said.
“From the shores of Gallipoli to the valleys of Afghanistan, Anzac Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force.”
Aisha Tomkinson, 11, spoke about why Anzac Day was so important.
“We remember the young men and women leaving our shores to travel across the sea, landing at an unknown place called Gallipoli and as they disembarked, not knowing that it was the wrong place, they encountered terror and hardship against an enemy that was just as determined as them to win,” she said.
“Many lost their lives, but their bravery is what made our country great.”
Tanieka Carter, 11, said she believed the Anzac spirit was in the heart of all Australians.
“We all have courage and compassion, even primary school kids have the courage to stand up at assembly and deliver a speech,” she said.
Brad Gilbert, 11, asked those gathered to spare a thought for Australia’s past and present soldiers.
“We should never forget what these brave men have done for us,” he said.
Brad said many lost their lives but the spirit of the Anzac lived on.
Darlington Point’s Fred Smith was at the service.
He was delighted two mates, one who he served with, were by his side.
Mr Smith, 73, served in Malaya and Borneo alongside Ian Gilmore, who made the trip from Perth, for the service.
George Buscema was also visiting from Melbourne.
Mr Smith said Anzac Day meant a lot to him.
He said it brought back memories of fighting and soldiers who he knew very well losing their lives.
“You lose a lot of people,” he said.
Mr Smith enlisted at the age of 20.
He said he was proud to have served his country.
Mr Smith said friendships made during war lasted a lifetime.
Residents paused for a minute’s silence after a moving rendition of The Last Post.
Those assembled also sang the national anthem.
Two-up at the Darlington Point Club was held following the service at the town’s war memorial.
