Apex Park was filled with people paying their respects to servicemen and women, past and present, as dawn broke over Nelson Bay on Tuesday.
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New Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch president Mark Balsarini estimated the dawn service was attended by about 3500 people, but he was most pleased to see many young people among the crowd that overflowed the park.
"I'm always impressed with the turnout but today's, it was fantastic to see," he said.
"It truly does feel like the crowd gets bigger every year and there seems to be more younger people coming in, which is a good thing.
"Getting younger people into the RSL is what we want, what we need. I am glad to see all the young people here this morning. We'll have even more younger people involved during the march [at 10.30am]."
Mr Balsarini has been a member of the Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch for about eight years.
He was secretary of the sub-branch before putting his hand up to be president following the death of long-time sub-branch member, Vietnam veteran and president Tom Lupton in February 2023.
Mr Balsarini's son and vice president of the RSL sub-branch, Jordan Balsarini, was the emcee of Tuesday's morning's service.
RAAF Wing Commander Michelle McDermott delivered the Anzac address, the prayer and benediction was lead by RAAF chaplain Squadron Leader Andrew Knox and the Ode by RAAF Leading Aircraftwoman Ella Ranniko.
Dawn broke over the Apex War memorial as the New Zealand and Australian national anthems were played.
The anthems were accompanied by a cacophony of noise from birds, which took flight over the service as light began to break over the memorial.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
