The Illawarra showed this morning why Anzac Day is regarded by many as Australia's national day, turning out by their thousands to dawn services and the region's many marches.
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The centre of Wollongong was packed to the gills as the city's march made its way from Kembla Street to MacCabe Park.
Crowds were up to six or seven deep in places, with Australian flags waving from children's hands, neighbourhood fence posts, and veterans' mobility scooters.
There's an art to marching, and the various veterans' and community groups showed their approach, with the Gwynneville-based 26 Army Cadet Unit displaying particularly sharp form.
As well as RSL sub-branches and active units, the groups represented in Wollongong's march included marching bands, the Republic of South Vietnam, and a huge contingent from the Dapto scout troop.
Rounding the corner from Burelli into Church, the command of "eyes RIGHT" directed the marchers to the Cenotaph, which they passed before concluding the morning's expedition - short on distance but long on its significance to those who marched, and those who watched.
As the march dispersed decorated Diggers were treated with reverence as they gathered themselves before heading off in the direction of a hot coffee, or something stronger.
And with the morning's services done, it was on to the next stage of the Anzac Day tradition - the veterans' turn to relax and unwind, in the RSL clubs of the region, enjoying the company of old comrades.
