As Hawkesbury locals lit up the dawn on their driveways, hundreds others were able to commemorate Anzac Day the traditional way as dawn services were held for the first time in two years.
Ron Gray, Richmond RSL Sub Branch president, said this year's service was "absolutely magic" at Richmond Park, and they hosted up to 1,000 people - twice the number they would usually attract.
"So many people turned up, more than ever, from all different areas, and we had so many compliments about our service," Mr Gray told the Gazette.
"We had some from Springwood, some from Windsor, and they said it was one of the best services they'd seen. We were over the moon."
Mr Gray was headed to the Richmond Race Club at Londonderry to say The Ode at 5pm, while his colleague Leon Walker, Windsor RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, was also conducting a second service for the day at the the Hawkesbury Show.
"We all had breakfast together at North Richmond at North Cafe, there were around 20 people and we had good coffee and they've got great staff," Mr Gray said.
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"After that, some [members] headed into the city and some back to their own units."
The Richmond service went ahead this year for the first time in two years, as did the Windsor RSL Sub-Branch's service at McQuade Park, Windsor.
Many other services, including those in the Blue Mountains, didn't go ahead.
"We had a massive turnout. So many people were saying they really appreciated our service, from all walks of life, which makes us feel good," Mr Gray said.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
