PENSHURST gathered a community of locals who wished to pay their respects on Anzac Day for the dawn service, to commemorate the lives of those who served at war.

Crowds of around 200 people gathered by 6.00am at the Penshurst Cenotaph, as silence fell in remembrance.

Former mayor, Marcus Rentsch, presented the Anzac Day address honouring all those lost at Gallipoli, followed by local resident Brenda Uebergang’s acknowledgement of the women and nurses who served in WWI, in particular those who were tragically massacred on the beach at Bangla Island.

Following the touching stories from the guest speakers, the solemn and transformative poem, “We Remember Those on Anzac Day” by Trish Reeves was recited by local, Brian O’Brien.

“And as the bugle plays ‘The Last Post’ and we humbly watch the dawn break.

 “We appreciate how courageous they were when our freedom was at stake.

“They were people – much loved and full of life when they answered the call.

“On April 25th each and every year, we will remember them all.”

Event organiser, Jacqui Tribe said the service was an emotional reminder for the many attendants, which included mayor, David Robertson, of the immense sacrifice the service men and women made when they had served for our country.

“It was simply wonderful,” she said.

“He (mayor Robertson) said it was very moving.”

As the requiescat was delivered by Greg Linke, silence fell upon the crowd as they reflected on the sacrifice of so many Australians.

Ms Tribe said the most poignant moment of the service brought many tears as two riderless horses made their way past the gathering.

“That was my undoing”, a local resident was heard to say.

“Watching those horses with the empty saddles and the boots in backwards and listening to their hooves in the stillness of the morning was something I will always remember.”

There was not a dry eye when musician Paul Sutherland, and his friend who represented New Zealand, performed the piece, ‘And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’.

“(It is) perhaps one of the most haunting tributes ever written,” Ms Tribe said.

Reverend Peter Cook led gathered residents in a prayer of comfort before Kate Orchard’s commemorative Anzac Day Dedication.

A chorus of ‘Amazing Grace’ performed by The Hamilton and District Pipes and Drums Band as they proudly marched toward the cenotaph was followed by the wreath laying ceremony, the Ode of Remembrance and The Last Post.

Just as the dawn broke, Warrant Officer 2 (ret.), Rod Orchard raised the Australian flag as the Reveille rang out, and all gathered arm in arm, holding their children and loved ones while proudly singing the National Anthem.

“That was the most meaningful and moving ANZAC service I have ever been to - and I’ve been to a few,” local resident, Val Rentsch said.

People of all ages in the Penshurst community have contributed to honouring Anzac Day this week, including students from Penshurst Primary School who collaborated with the Mount Rouse and District Historical Society (MRDHS) and other members of the community for a decorative tribute.

The heartfelt display on the gates of the old Penshurst Court House and in the Penshurst Takeaway used poppies, drawings, and cans of rosemary contributed by the community to honour the men, women and animals who have served abroad and at home. 

“It is obvious that the preserving and nurturing of our ANZAC history is safe in the hands of our local communities, particularly in our young historians,” MRDHS secretary, Joy Doherty said. 

The display will be up until Monday afternoon.

Robert Coates and Ms Tribe thanked all who had contributed to organising and running the dawn service, and the many sponsors that had assisted the community in commemorating the special day.

“There are so many people that helped in putting this together,” Ms Tribe said.

“It truly is a community event and I just feel lucky to be a part of it.”