AS a large crowd descended on Orange on Friday to participate in this year’s Anzac Day commemoration services, it was wonderful to see so many young faces amongst them.
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Even at the dawn service, several babies and toddlers joined a group of around 1000 people who braved the chilly conditions to meet at the cenotaph in Roberston Park.
As one of the attendees of the dawn service David Norris said, attending Anzac Day services is all about showing respect for what’s happened in the past, and it’s great to see people of all ages doing exactly that.
Later in the day around 1000 schoolchildren took part in the Anzaz Day march and walked five abreast down Summer Street.
Even though it was the last day of the school holidays, and participation was voluntary, it was amazing to see so many children attend.
In fact even the RSL’s visiting dignitary Captain Greg Laxton, who is based at Garden Island with the Australian navy, commented on how impressed he was at the number of young people marching.
Several parents made it clear that bringing children to Anzac Day services was not about glorifying war, but rather honouring the past.
You don’t have to be a war monger to commemorate Anzac Day, you just have to be someone willing to reflect on Australia’s history and remember how lucky we are to be Australian.
Judging by Friday's turnout it seems the younger generation does realise the significance of Anzac Day, and is proud to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Ensuring we continue to pass this tradition on to future generations is important if we are to keep the Anzac spirit alive, and honour those who have given their lives in the service of our great nation.
