Seven Hills had one of its biggest attendances at an Anzac Day dawn service.
An estimated 4000 people went to the Cenotaph at Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to Australian servicemen and servicewomen.
Among the large crowd was World War Two and Vietnam War veterans, who were among the 1200 people who participated in the 5am march.
Seven Hills-Toongabbie-Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch president Graeme Quinn said the veteran’s appreciated the community’s strong support at the service.
“I’m very happy to see so many people show up,” he said.
“I would say it was as big as the 100th anniversary service [in 2015].
“The sub branch has put in a lot of effort to get young people involved and it was great to see a lot of younger people at the service.
“It is good to have families involved as it is important that the Anzac spirit never disappears.”
During the service, Lieutenant Mark Olssen from the Royal Australian Navy delivered the prologue.
Leading aircraftsman Aiden Pritchard of the Royal Australian Air Force presented the remembrance address.
Both men said Anzac Day is a time of reflection and remembrance.
“Some people say Anzac Day glorifies war, but any veteran would tell you that they never want to see war happen again,” Mr Pritchard said.
“It is a time to reflect on our freedom, and recognise those who have defended our freedoms.”
Veterans and members of the community made their way into the RSL after the service for breakfast and a beverage.
Written by Warren Thomson, Blacktown Sun
