ANZAC DAY 2017: Dawn service in Maitland

It’s also a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women protecting those hard-fought freedoms, a Hunter Royal Australian Air Force member says.

Hundreds of people gathered at Maitland Park, as day broke on Tuesday, for the annual commemoration of the Anzac spirit.

In his Dawn Service address, RAAF Flight Lieutenant Andrew Harris said war was the “manifestation of the worst kind of mankind”. 

But he said it also brought out some of humanity’s best attributes – courage, dedication, compassion and “a fierce determination to stand by one’s mates”.

“We must also reflect on the Australian men and women currently deployed across the globe, protecting from afar, while sacrificing time with family and their loved ones,” he said.

“War is brutal, ruthless and is an act that should be avoided at all costs. But there comes a time when we must be prepared to stand firm and take up arms against those who aim to take away our way of life.”

Flight Lieutenant Harris said Anzac Day was not a celebration, but a national day of solemn reflection.

He said the events at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915, had become a symbol for the spirit of all Australians who have fought for their country.

“We pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in many ways in wars and conflicts,” he said.

“We pay tribute to those who bear today wounds and disabilities suffered during service and those who have lost family members and friends.

“We pay tribute to those who are often forgotten. Those who maintained the home-front supporting loved ones overseas, maintaining silent service to enable their loved ones to serve on the battle field. 

“They bear a burden borne of sacrifice and today, we salute all of them.”

The community gathered about 11am on Anzac Day for the march down Church Street.

Schools students, local representatives and member of the Defence Force marched to Maitland Park War Memorial for the daytime service.