Preparations are well underway for ANZAC Day.
The community of Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest will band together on April 25 to celebrate the ANZAC legend, paying tribute to those Australian servicemen and women who served our nation.
Ninety-two years on from that fateful landing at Gallipoli, people Australia wide will commemorate that immortal day when the young men of Australia by their deeds and sacrifice demonstrated to the world at Gallipoli that Australia was truly a nation.
On Tuesday, April 24, Tea Gardens RSL Sub Branch members will place three wreath stands on our War Memorial.
These stands will enable locals and visitors to come along and place their flowers/wreaths the day before ANZAC Day, in preparation for the Dawn Service.
You may also place wreaths on the War Memorial during our ANZAC Service, after the march.
The Dawn Service at the Tea Gardens War Memorial promises to be a very moving experience, with the sun rising over the Myall River beaming its light onto our War Memorial.
Over 350 people attended the service last year, an increase of around a hundred people from the year before, and Tea Gardens RSL Sub Branch President, Ron Franks, is hoping for the biggest turnout yet.
"Before the War Memorial was built we would get around 40 to 50 people there.
"The Dawn Service numbers are growing each year and it is the War Memorial that has attracted more people to attend.
"The War Memorial has given us a place and a new focus," Mr Franks said.
After the Dawn Service, the Tea Gardens Country Club will host the traditional ANZAC breakfast, which will be prepared by the Rural Fire Service.
People wanting to participate in the 10am ANZAC march should assemble at 9.45am on the corner of Ogden St and Marine Dve.
This year's ANZAC march will be led by Police, Fire Brigade and the Pipe and Drum Band, and will feature veterans, service personnel and emergency services officers.
As always, our local community groups will also march proudly, finishing up at the War Memorial where commemorations will commence.
Bugler, Brent Weightman, who has participated for 11 years in the Commemorative ANZAC Services and Remembrance Day Services will once again play The Last Post and Reveille.
Mr Franks said the service and march are definitely gaining strength each year, with more young children and teenagers taking a keen interest in Australia's history and wanting to learn more about the meaning of ANZAC Day.
"Nowadays, children are learning about it at school, whereas our children didn't really, and because of this, they want to know more," he said.
Australian flags will be distributed on the day, especially to children.
"We raise money to be able to buy the flags. It adds colour to the parade and the children love waving the flags in the march," Mr Franks added.
Transport for veterans will be provided by Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club and a special feature this year will be the inclusion of two WWII jeeps to also assist with transport.
It is hoped that as many people as possible will attend the ANZAC Day Service to remember and honour those Australian servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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