Updated on 10 April, 2019
Commemorate Anzac Day
Anzac Day is more than a time to remember those who fought for Australia and New Zealand back in World War I. This day marks a time for reflection on the meanings of war and to honour all those who have served, both past and present. We live in what has always been fondly known as the lucky country. Anzac Day celebrates the strength and spirit of all the Australians who came before us, and will come, to preserve our fortunate way of life.
Anzac Day has been commemorated in Australia since the 1920s and is held on 25 April because this was the fateful day that Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beach at Gallipoli in Turkey. The well-known acronym ‘ANZAC’ stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the alliance that the two neighbouring countries formed during the First World War.
You don’t need to have served or know someone who served to commemorate this day. It’s a time when all Australians can come together and reflect on the servicemen and women who have so bravely fought to defend our country.
Here at The Westport Club, we respect and support all those who have fought, whether back in the First World War or in more recent times. We believe in honouring those sacrifices, so we’ve prepared this overview of some of Port Macquarie’s Anzac Day services for you to find your closest commemorations and marches.
Anzac Day services in Port Macquarie
Our community offers a number of services to commemorate this special day. Our sacred Port Macquarie War Memorial is just a small token of appreciation for all that our brave men and women have done, and it stands as a centrepiece to honour and remember on Anzac Day. Here are the main services right here in Port Macquarie:
Dawn service
Where
The ANZAC DAY dawn service in Port Macquarie is held at the War Memorial, at the corner of Clarence & Horton Streets.
When
This service commences at 5:30 am.
This is a time for silence and reflection during the early moments of the morning. All service or ex-service members and the general public are welcome to attend. Ex-servicemen and women (or their representatives) can meet at the war memorial to commemorate those who served. The service begins at dawn to represent the time of the first attack by the ANZACs.
Main morning service
When
The main morning service march will begin at 10:00 am, and the commemoration service will begin at 10:30 am at the War Memorial after the march.
This later ceremony provides all members of the public with the opportunity to attend a memorial service. Again, all service or ex-service members and general public are welcome to attend. Visitors are also welcome to march as representatives of family members. The march is to honour all those who once went into battle during World War I, and the service is to commemorate all who have fallen in the name of our country.
Road Closures
There will some road closures necessary throughout the region in order for the services and marches to be held. Keep an eye on the Port Macquarie news for a list of road closures.
Anzac Day memories
What our members have to say about this day:
Member Dorothyann
“My father in law fought in WW1, my husband in WW2. I’m very honoured and proud to be actively involved in Legacy Laurel and the RSL Women’s auxiliary. Anzac Day is very close to my heart.”
Member Ken
“I’m an ex-military man and see Anzac Day as our nation’s tradition to remember our brave soldiers who protected our freedom. It’s a time of recognition and remembrance”.
Member Rhonda
“Anzac day means to me a time to come together and remember those who fought so bravely for our freedom and to be grateful”.
Member Robert
“An opportunity to show respect and remember those who have fallen. I think it’s a great that we as a town congregate at the memorial and appreciate the freedom we have because of them”.
Member Patrick
“It’s good to meet together and remember the soldiers who fought for our freedoms. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have the quality of life we enjoy in our great country today”.
After you pay your respects
Whether you served in the military or simply want to honour the memory of those who served, you are welcome to join us at the Westport Club on ANZAC Day.
We believe it’s extremely important to commemorate such a distinctive day in Australian history. Hastings Coffee Co. will be open for breakfast on Anzac Day from 7.30am and we welcome you to stop in for a meal with friends and family after you pay your respects. We’d love to hear your stories about the day, too. Come and mark this important part of our history and culture at The Westport Club this Anzac Day.