Huddled outside the Memorial Hall in jackets, beanies and scarves, more than 200 people saw in the Anzac Day dawn at Longford on Thursday.
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Addressing the solemn crowd, Reverend Alan Bulmer OAM, asked them to remember those who came back from war, and those who still carry its scars, "whether they be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual".
"Help us to do all we can to alleviate the trauma of those who went to war, those who lost loved ones through the effects of war, and others who have been innocent victims of war."
"We remember particularly all those involved today in the wars in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan - our defence personnel and civilians who have been caught up in those wars."
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Northern Midlands RSL sub-branch vice president, Ian Swain, spoke of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915, and the events which followed.
"These were for the most part untried men, from the cities and towns of our then-very young country," he said.
Mr Swain added that the day was also about acknowledging those members of the Australian Defence Force now serving at home, and far from home.
"On this day we are here, unified, respectful and grateful. We are together at countless war memorials large and small around our nation."
After the Last Post was played, and the crowd began to disperse, Mr Swain said it had been a heartening turn out for the service, with the committee a little unsure how the tight grouping of public holidays around Easter might affect numbers.
Mr Swain himself served in the Navy, "way back when we had the nuclear bomb tests".
"I've been out of the Navy since 1961 and have taken an active part in the RSL for some 12 years now since I slowed down in business and retired," he said, before making his way up Wellington Street to the hall for breakfast.
With about 60 members, the sub-branch encompasses the areas of Perth, Cressy, Evandale, Bishopbourne, Blackwood Creek and Campbell Town.
You don't get this any other day of the year.
- Neil Kearney
In the Longford RSL Memorial Hall, fires crackled and conversation filled the air over tea, coffee, and a breakfast of savoury mince or curried sausages.
Members of the Rotary Club this year again stood ready with about 300 meals.
Luke Blair had driven up from near Hobart with his father, Neil, leaving at close to 3am to make it in time for the service, and the tradition which follows: a visit to his grandparents' graves - his grandfather having served in World War Two - and a catch up with the family.
"Half the room here are probably Blairs I reckon," he said.
"Anzac day is one that everyone know is always the same day of the year," Rodney Blair, another member of the family, added later. "We do this every year."
More than thirty members of the extended family - spanning four generations - in attendance, across four generations, the Blair's do form quite a crowd.
"It is the national day," said Neil Kearney, looking around the packed room. "Anzac Day is the day when people feel comfortable celebrating, and feel a kinship."
"It's a cup of tea and sitting around tables, you don't get this any other day of the year."