SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Launceston resident, Gabby Pyka, rode a horse into yesterday's Deloraine Anzac Day service for a very good reason.
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She is just one of many young Australians embracing the Anzac Day culture and paying tribute to her fallen family members in her own special way.
``My nan wanted to ride her horse down to the service this year, but she didn't get to because she passed away,'' Gabby said yesterday after the 11am service.
``So I rode the horse down for her.
With nan's war medals pinned to her jumper, Gabby joined more than 1000 others in front of Deloraine's Cenotaph in mild April conditions.
Despite being in primary school, the seven-year-old has already developed her own relationship with Anzac Day each year.
``I think the service is fun. Anzac Day means fun things and singing songs about the people,'' she said.
The day's connection with Tasmania's youth has not gone unnoticed by those in the community either.
Ninety-four-year-old Deloraine Digger Charles Crowden said he had witnessed a significant increase in the number of young residents taking an interest in Anzac Day services, having attended more than half a century's worth himself.
``There's definitely a trend among younger people especially,'' Mr Crowden said.
``It's a challenge because they're the people who have to carry this on after we're all gone.
``They're tomorrow's soldiers, if needed, but we hope they never have to be,'' he said.
Deloraine Anzac Day parade marshall Peter Aston said the day's young following bodes well for future services.
``Given that it was a school holiday, it was a brilliant turn out,'' Mr Ashton said.
``It's pleasing to see and I think it goes to show that people will be marching for years to come, even if there are no wars.''