There was standing room only in Woodland Grove as thousands spilled into nearby streets for the final Anzac Day in World War I Centenary commemorations.
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Wodonga RSL sub-branch president Kevyn Williams said every year he was “astounded” by the turn-out to the Dawn Service.
“Last year was phenomenal even though it was wet, but this year there’s double that again,” he said.
“I think there’s been a lot of media coverage about the end of World War I, so I suppose that’s brought people out.
“The council will have to get a bigger park.”
Among those observing the service was Wodonga’s Richard Didier, wearing his family’s medals, including those of his Great Uncle who served in World War I.
“My grandfather and father served in World War II,” he said.
“I didn’t have many stories from them, it was one of those things they never really talked about, but I do have some diaries from granddad that I’m still trying to decipher.
“The way he expresses what’s happening, like the smells in the air, it gives you a sense of being there.”
Mr Didier was himself a member of the Australian Defence Force from 1978 to 1998.
“I was lucky that when I joined it was not long after the Vietnam War and I don’t think the government was in a hurry to get into another conflict after the backlash they got from it,” he said.
“I followed in the family footsteps to a certain degree but it was something I felt I wanted to do as well.
“They put their lives on the line and defended the country we know today, and if they and everyone else hadn’t, Australia might be a completely different place.”
As Mr Williams closed the service, a striking orange sunrise was marking the beginning of Anzac Day.
“It is always a sad day,” he said.
“The thing is we’re still in conflict, we’ve still got troops fighting, it never seems to stop.
“We’ve still got people suffering and I feel happy I belong to an organisation that can help, which we do.”
When Major Damien Batty listens to The Ode, he thinks of all Australians who have served for their country, particularly those who were lost on his deployments.
Major Batty, who has been with the Australian Army for 20 years and is stationed currently at Bandiana, was joined by his wife Carly and four-year-old daughter Eva at the Wodonga Dawn Service and RSL sub-branch breakfast.
“We lost four on my last deployment to Afghanistan – it’s to remember them, to reflect on the loss and their legacy,” he said.
“For me, Anzac Day has changed a lot over the years.
“It’s teaching our kids why we stand in silent reflection, why we lay wreaths and what the symbolism of the day is about.
“My older three kids get it and Eva is certainly understanding, she was so quiet and respectful this morning, we’re really proud of her.”
Major Batty is the first in his immediate family to serve but his connection to the Army is strong.
“There’s uncles on mum and dad’s sides, both Carly’s grandfathers served and one was a prisoner of war in Germany,” he said.
“I’ve served in a couple of operations; Afghanistan and Bougainville, and briefly in the Solomon Islands.
“In Afghanistan there was a lot that was completely unexpected, but we were well-prepared for.
“I mentored an Afghan from the special police and we travelled all over the country and it was really rewarding.
“Bougainville was completely different, it was unarmed and to support the people of Bougainville after 10 years of crisis.
“My role as a nurse was part of the combined health element there and that was again a different experience.”
Major Batty said the rest of his Anzac Day would be “about quiet reflection and respect” and continuing the conversation with all four of his children.
“We’ll be back for the 11am march, then go home and have some quiet time to myself, I think that’s really important,” he said.
“I think people need to really remember that it’s about respect, and not treat it as a day off to overindulge.
“As part of the kids growing up, they’ve moved around with us, they’re understanding the service and history, and how we shouldn’t really repeat the mistakes of the past and be drawn into conflict.”
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