For the first time since the pandemic, Illawarra residents were able to gather in unrestricted crowds to pay respects to those who have served our country and those who have died fighting in years gone by.
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The masses braved the rain on Monday morning, April 25, to meet at cenotaphs across the region for traditional Anzac Day dawn services and to lay wreaths.
The solemn sounds of bagpipes and bugles, mixed with prayers and readings, resonated through the community - "Lest We Forget".
Sylvia Jones from Woonona sat at the front of the Austinmer dawn service, proudly wearing the medals she was awarded for her service in World War II.
She was aged 18 and trained as a "coder" for the Navy - or code breaker - utilised to unravel cryptic messages by enemy forces.
"It was a great life," the veteran told the Mercury,
"It was a wonderful experience, it was sad times ... but quite exciting."
English ex-pat David (now of Bulli) brought his two sons, aged nine and ten, to the Austinmer dawn service for the first time.
"I think it makes it something more memorable having [a service] so early, making the effort to get out of be," he said.
"I think over time we will make this a tradition ... to take a moment and pay respect."
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