THEY turned out in record numbers on Saturday, from tiny babies in prams to elderly veterans, for Orange’s Anzac Day dawn service, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
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The estimated crowd of 5000 took full advantage of the upgraded cexnotaph for the ceremony this year, including, for the first time, the lighting of the flame of remembrance.
Orange was chosen as one of only 23 towns and cities across the nation to receive the flame as part of the federal government’s Camp Gallipoli program.
People began arriving from 5am, walking through the darkness to await the arrival of those who marched from Memorial Hall to the park.
Lone piper Don Peck broke the silence of the morning with a rendition of Amazing Grace.
The service began with the reading of a tribute poem by The Canobolas Rural Technology High School student Matt Toia, with fellow students Ellena Hicks and Matthew Gray also contributing to the ceremony.
Orange Anzac Day committee chairman Graeme Scott welcomed the huge crowd.
“We salute the spirit of Anzac here this morning and pay tribute to their dedication to their country,” Mr Scott said.
Adding to the solemnity of the service was the rendition of Abide with Me sung by the Orange Male Voice Choir.
Choir members David Ironside and John Mealings then led the crowd in a rendition of the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
Orange mayor John Davis read the Ode as the large crowd stood in silence.
Orange RSL sub-branch senior vice-president Chris Colvin said the Camp Gallipoli flame would remain with the RSL in Orange to be used for future Anzac Day services.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
