The Poppies balloon cast a bright light across Victoria Square as the mist started to clear.
Conflict in the Middle East prompted Cambridge RSA chaplain Ants Hawes to approach Anzac Day differently this year.
Cambridge RSA president, Sgt Graham Johns, accompanied by Staff Sgt Richie Plas, laying the first wreath at the dawn service, one on behalf of those who served and their families. Photo: Viv Posselt
Piper Bryan Mitchell playing the lament ‘Flowers of the Forest’ at the end of the dawn ceremony. Photo: Viv Posselt
He told the large crowd at the Anzac Day dawn service in Cambridge that he had approached it ‘a little more thoughtfully, even a little more reverently’ this time around.
“War is just that little bit more real all of a sudden, isn’t it? So, what is our response to that? Praying for world peace is a lot more real and a little less cliché. We must pray that cool heads will prevail.”
Hawes said the day was about showing gratitude to those who had fought for the freedoms we enjoy, sometimes at the cost of their own lives.
He said the RSA theme this year was, ‘we see you, we value you, we support you’ and spoke to the families of servicemen and women who knew the taste of fear each time their loved ones deployed.
Hawes added first responders to those defence force personnel who should be honoured at Anzac Day. He called for more appreciation and respect to be shown to police, ambulance officers, school principals and council staff.
“As we support them, they will shape us into a cohesive community that is strong and resilient,” he said.
Hundreds turned out in picture-perfect conditions for the 6am service outside the Cambridge Town Hall. Anthems were sung by Cambridge’s Chris Gale, accompanied by the Cambridge Brass Band, and The Ode was delivered by Cambridge RSA president Graham Johns, who laid a wreath on behalf of all who served, and their families.
Veterans, families and other attendees laid poppies at the foot of the cenotaph as the service came to an end.
WW2 veteran Wolf Hucke and his wife Alison were at the dawn service as usual. Alison’s dad, Les Winslade – who is the country’s oldest veteran at 105 – opted to attend the morning’s civic service this year. Photo: Viv Posselt
Cambridge RSA chaplain, Gp Cpt (Ret) Ants Hawes addressing those on the piazza during the dawn Anzac service. Photo: Viv Posselt
Cadets and guards march off at the end of the dawn service formalities. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Poppies balloon cast a bright light across Victoria Square as the mist started to clear. Photo: Viv Posselt
