There were clouds in the sky, and even a few raindrops, but the sun still managed to shine over Wollongong’s Anzac Day march on Tuesday.
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Thousands of people lined CBD streets; clapping, cheering and waving Australian flags as the city stopped to reflect.
A few small raindrops were felt ahead of the march but, despite the forecast of looming rain, the clouds parted briefly prior to the 10am start.
The sun then broke through as the march wound its way from the lower Crown Street Mall, down Kembla and Burelli streets, and to the cenotaph in MacCabe Park.
All the way along the march route, people of all ages took in the sights and sounds of the commemorations - from the beating drums to the sound of bagpipes.
Corrimal’s Claire Carter was among those who lined the streets.
“Both my grandfathers were in World War II, so it’s nice to come and remember their contributions to the country and to recognise everyone else that’s put in effort as well,” Ms Carter said.
With her little ones – Allegra, 5, and Dante, 3 – in tow, she described it as “a special day for everyone”.
“It’s also nice to see the traditions continue, it’s nice to see the music and the bands … and just be part of it all,” she said.
Also at the march was 86-year-old Rona Acres, who wore a poppy on her shirt and had an Australian flag flying proudly on the side of her mobility walker.
“It means a lot, [it’s] very special; something we must remember,” she said of Anzac Day, choking back tears.
“It’s very emotional to think, you know, these men are always ready to go and fight for our country, that’s special.”
The Wollongong resident was pleased to see many young people lining the streets.
“To see such a crowd here today, is just wonderful,” she said.
RAY’S STILL MARCHING
Ray St Quintin’s body just isn’t what it used to be.
But that was never going to stop the Vietnam War veteran from being part of this year’s Anzac Day march in Wollongong.
“Your brain says ‘yeah I can do that’ and your body says ‘go away’,” Mr St Quintin, from Dapto, told the Mercury after Tuesday’s march.
The veteran wouldn’t have been there had it not been for some family inspiration and his friend Glenn, who has marched by his side for the past 10 years.
“He wasn’t going to march until his granddaughter said she wanted to march, that’s why he lasted so long,” Glenn, who preferred not to provide his surname, said.
Despite his best effort, Mr St Quintin was unable to complete the march and required medical assistance.
He was breathing heavily but otherwise OK when spoken to by the Mercury, Glenn still by his side.
Mr St Quintin told of how he was called up to go to war nearly 50 years ago and “fortunate enough to be in a static unit”.
“I didn't want to be in the army, but the alternative was to go to jail and I had no intentions to go to jail,” he said.