The 2018 commemorations were particularly special as this year marks the 100^th anniversary of the end of WWI.

The chilly weather that greeted the Yass Dawn Service, which was led by the Yass RSL Sub-Branch’s president Neil Turner and honorary secretary John Heggart, did not deter hundreds of residents in filling Comur Street outside the Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall.

After the Gunfire breakfast at the Soldiers Club, the warmth of the sun came out and the Anzac Day March formed up in front of the Club House Hotel, stepping off at 10.30am, finishing at the Yass Cenotaph at the Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Participants include Gallipoli Company Royal Military College (Duntroon), historical military vehicles, a Celtic Pipe Band and local schools and community groups.

In the midst of the crowd was WWII veteran Colin Allender, 96 years old, whose determination continued to shine brightly, having participated in every Anzac Day March since moving to Yass about 21 years ago.

The march was followed by the main service at the Yass Cenotaph where guest speaker was Captain Bartholomew Glen, Officer Commanding from Gallipoli Company, Royal Military College (RMC) – Duntroon.

Captain Glen paid tribute to past and present defence personnel.

He said it was a privilege and honour to have RMC Duntroon represented in Yass and thanked the Yass RSL Sub-Branch for the commemorative services.

The Yass Town service was concluded with a luncheon at the Soldiers Club and two-up with proceeds going to help Yass Valley’s veteran community.

In Murrumbateman, a commemorative service was held at Jones Park by the Murrumbateman Lions Club.

Guest of honour was CDRE Sarah Sharkey, who provided a moving Anzac Day address.

CDRE Sharkey is the director general of Navy Health Services and director general Garrison Health Operations in Joint Health Command.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland, an MBA from the University of New England and a Master of Politics and Policy from Deakin University.

A morning tea at the Murrumbateman Country Inn followed.

At the Bowning Dawn Service, the Bowning Progress Association (BPA) unveiled a plaque from the Kangaroo March Centenary Reenactment Association in March 2018.

The plaque commemorates the centenary of the original march 103 years ago, as well as for their reenactment of it in 2015.

The plaque pays tribute the ‘Kangaroos’ who marched in the Wagga Wagga–Yass recruitment March to Sydney, stopping in those villages, en route for the Western Front.

BPA president Cyril Cox said it was another fantastic Dawn Service at the Bowning Village Cenotaph.

“130 people from the region attended.

“Also the unveiling of the plaque recognising our community for the contribution to the Centenary of the Kangaroo March of 1915,” Mr Cox said.

He thanked all attendees, including mayor Rowena Abbey and councillors.

“Special thanks to Rev Gary Brown, John Hasler, Nick Whiting, Brad Scowcroft and Robyn Winterflood.

“Thanks also to the Bowning Buffaloes Cricket Club for generously cooking breakfast and donating all money to Legacy,” he said.

The Sutton Community Association (SCA) held the inaugural Anzac Day Dawn Service in the village.

The service, at the Memorial Gates at Sutton Public School, included singing, readings, music, laying of wreaths and a short commemorative address.

The village raised $1155 for Legacy thanks to the breakfast by Sutton RFS and the Anzac biscuits by a couple of residents.

Patrick Walker, member of the Sutton and District Community Association and administrator of Sutton Chatter, thanked the organisers.

“Many thanks and congratulations to Alan McNeil for leading the organisation of the event,” he said.

Mr Walker also thanked Royce Thompson and Jamie Van Heel for “the wonderful service and to everyone else involved”.

Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name liveth for evermore.

Lest we forget.