HUNDREDS gathered on Thursday morning to brave the cold and honour Anzac Day at the annual dawn service, held at the Hamilton War Memorial, Melville Oval. 

By 6.30am, silence caressed the souls of all who gathered, from children to veterans who huddled together on a dim autumn morning to pay their respects.

The service was opened by ex-navy, Hamilton RSL president, Graeme Mustow OAM who thanked all for their presence, and reminded attendants of the existing and continued sacrifice made by those in our armed forces.

“We will remember all Australians who have paid the supreme sacrifice in defending our way of life,” he said. 

“We also remember those service men and women who suffered life-changing injuries during their service, and many others who have found their experiences too hard to reconcile and have taken their life as a result.”

The preceding prayer was guided by Reverend David Oulton who remembered the people who had died in the line of service and asked for peace upon them in rest.

“Lord our God, you are our boundless provider, source of peace that the world cannot give,” he prayed.

“Kindly hear our constant prayer, for those who bore witness to your own fidelity, by giving their lives for those they loved.

“Resurrect them in our true homeland, and perfect that peace for which they longed and died.”

By the rows of crosses that laid at the cenotaph, Hamilton’s Legacy members, Rod Papworth and Bill Garrett recited the iconic poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, while attendants were invited to lay a wreath.

The two-verse Ode of Remembrance was read by Mr Mustow, before The Last Post and Rouse was played by bugler Nicholas Huf.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning.

“We will remember them.”

A crowd estimated of 600 or more gathered in silent reflection before all spoke in a unison of remembrance.

“Lest We Forget.”