Rising before the sun to salute past and present Anzacs, Narrogin Memorial Park was flooded with patrons on Saturday morning to witness the Royal Australian Navy stand for their military comrades.
Leading Narrogin’s dawn service for the first time in six years, the Narrogin RSL invited HMAS Stirling, Royal Australian Navy’s primary base on the west coast, drawing crowds from across the district.
The catafalque party showcased firsthand the discipline and sacrifice of the Anzacs, with Lieutenant Gus Coleman delivering the commemorative address.
Narrogin RSL secretary Zoe Nicolaou lit the candle for the deployed and Tom Benyon read The Ode of Remembrance.
As onlookers placed their hands on their hearts, bugler Emily Ballantyne delivered The Last Post, which was followed by a minute of silence.
Veteran George Ruzicka, who served in a medical unit in Vietnam and later joined the Air Force for six years, travelled from Wagin to attend the Narrogin service.
“It was a really nice service,” he said.
“It’s the first time I’ve been here for the dawn service in Narrogin and I think I’ll be coming again,” he said.
Lt Coleman said the catafalque was blown away by the level of generosity and support shown by the Narrogin community, saying they will definitely be back next year.
HMAS Stirling electronics technician and 5-inch gun instructor Liam Spencer said it was very significant for Navy representatives to be involved in Narrogin’s dawn service and he was impressed to see so many people.
“Big turn out definitely, it was nice to see everyone getting up early, kids out here as well — it’s important for them to see firsthand what Anzac is all about,” Mr Spencer said.
“Anzac also allows us to think about those that are serving now and what they give up.
“It’s very important to keep the tradition going and show the younger generation something special, a bit out of their comfort zone, to come and make a small sacrifice recognising a bigger sacrifice.”
He said it was particularly important to have a presence in small towns to educate the community as most military bases are in metro areas.
Seaman Ethan Ketelhohn said he felt privileged and honoured to be part of Narrogin’s dawn service — his first Anzac Day being part of the defence forces.
Not coming from a military family, Mr Ketelhohn said he has reflected on the meaning of Anzac since joining the Navy and the value of commemorating the occasion.
“It was really good for such a small town to see how everyone is coming down to the dawn service and supporting each other,” he said.
“I’m proud of everyone who served and what they do for their country, I’m proud to be in the military.”
Attendees enjoyed the gunfire cooked breakfast put on by the Lions Club of Narrogin.
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