Thousands made their way to the Echuca War Memorial on Anzac Day to commemorate the lives of Australian soldiers who were lost in war.
The day began with a dawn service at 5.45am to pay homage to the troops who would prepare for battle at the crack of dawn.
At 10.30am, community groups, businesses and veterans gathered at the Hare St pedestrian crossing before beginning their march to the war memorial at 10.45am.
The commemorative service began at 11am, led by EMFM Radio member Chris Campbell.
Members of the 301 Army Cadet Unit Echuca formed the Catafalque party, who remained in position around the cenotaph for the duration of the commemorative service.
A floral tribute to the memory of unknown soldiers was also laid by Echuca RSL sub-branch member Robert Wark before Padre Ron Wood, a member of the Echuca sub-branch, opened the ceremony with a prayer.
Having served as a soldier in the Australian Army Reserve for 10 years, Campaspe Shire councillior Rob Amos was the guest speaker for the event.
Cr Amos took the chance to highlight the efforts of soldiers from Echuca and surrounds.
“Echuca and surrounding districts have always heeded the call in times of war, sending local men and women into harm’s way,” he said.
Cr Amos shared a story about Sergeant James Stanton from Echuca who served with the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion.
Sergeant Stanton was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in France during a battle in 1918, where he put his life on the line to save his fellow soldiers.
In the written recommendation for the medal, it was noted that Sergeant Stanton’s gallantry directly resulted in the enemy’s retreat.
Cr Amos said the legacy of soldiers such as Sergeant Stanton continued to live on.
“His bravery is the kind of story that moves beyond the history books, it lives in the memory of this town and in the legacy of all those who served,” he said.
“The Echuca community salutes the service of Sergeant James Stanton and all those who have served our nation in its time of need.”
Echuca College student Sarah Mackenzie-Ross then performed two songs as donations for the Echuca RSL Veteran Support and Welfare fund were collected.
All donations help support ex-service persons with a disability in the Echuca area.
Following the performance, Echuca College school captains Chloe Campbell and Zali Newman read the Anzac Requiem.
A number of community members, groups and organisations were invited to lay wreaths at the cenotaph, followed by the reading of the Ode of Remembrance.
The Echuca Federal Band then performed the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand.
To close the ceremony, Padre Ron Wood delivered a benediction.
Echuca RSL president Denis Shanahan also shared a few words of appreciation about the day’s service, praising all those involved, including his daughters.
“I’d like to introduce you to my two daughters... they’re just two of many, many, many helpers and volunteers who have made today a very good ceremony,” he said.
“Overall, it was a damn good day as far as I was concerned.”