The sound of the Last Post echoed across the Illawarra as communities stopped to mark Remembrance Day on Tuesday.
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At 11am, ceremonies fell silent in recognition of service men and women who put their lives on the line for our country - those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, veterans who continue to bear scars of conflict and personnel still serving.
Dapto RSL sub-branch president Robert "Bob" Winston told Tuesday morning’s service at Kanahooka’s Lakeside Memorial Park it ‘‘was hard to think of what to say on a day like today, but all I can say is Lest We Forget’’.
‘‘This is the sad part of it - it’s not just while they’re out there fighting, it’s when they come back that we’ve got to look after them, because nobody else will’’ Mr Winston said.
In an indication the Anzac spirit is being kept alive through younger generations, students from Koonawarra Public School sang two heartwarming songs.
‘‘Hold Your Head Up High’’ and ‘‘Lest We Forget’’ were among the words amplified by a light breeze.
The students might be too young to understand why they were at the service, but their presence didn’t go unnoticed.
‘‘They’re the ones that will be keeping this tradition on in the future,’’ Mr Winston said
In a special tribute to the Australian Red Cross, which celebrates its centenary this year, part of the service was dedicated to unveiling a commemorative garden.
Red Cross Dapto branch president Ella Harvey, 92, was there to officially open it.
‘‘I think [the garden] is wonderful, you couldn’t ask for more, could you?’’ Mrs Harvey said.
Lakeside Memorial Park family service manager Julie Geraedts said the garden was the first legacy garden to be built in an Australian cemetery and $100 would be donated to the Australian Red Cross for every position purchased.