Hundreds of people took to the streets yesterday and later shared photos on social media of Anzac ceremonies throughout small towns in country NSW. 

25th of April being the national day for Australia and New Zealand in commemoration of the victims of war and for their role in the armed forces, marking the first military action fought by Australian and New Zealand during the first world war. 

Anzac Day was first observed in 1916 and has continued to be an important day for Australians with all states honouring the designated day.  

From the 1960’s to the 1980’s Anzac Day became less popular as fewer people thought war should be commemorated.

This appeared to turn around as the ceremonies at Gallipoli placed a light on the sacrifices of our service men and women, changing the focus from war to those who had served and paid the ultimate price for freedom in death.  

In 2023 many people gathered in their local communities for parades and attended sombre dawn services as the first light of day filtered through and the sad call of the bugle's 'last post' rang out. 

ABOVE: Cobar Anzac Parade. Photo Donna Prendy 

Children of all ages lined up and marched as did returned soldiers, current serving men and women and old army vehicles and horses draped with Australian Flags. 

In World War 1, one hundred and thirty six thousand horses followed troops to war with only one coming home, another sad statistic of war. 

The coming together of small communities for this day has become a part of the fabric of life and many communities follow up with celebrations afterwards such as races, luncheons, and the quintessential two up in RSL clubs across the country. With the shout of heads or tails reverberating around the clubs. 

ABOVE: Mrs Betty Jackson- Nyngan Anzac Parade photo courtesy Bogan Shire Council 

Glen Neill, Mayor of Bogan Shire Council said the day is an important one on the yearly calendar. 

“Anzac Day is a vital day in our community, as it pays tribute to all those who fought and who died for our freedom.” 

“It is great to see how the local community embraces the day from the young kids and families to the schools and sporting and social groups that contribute to make the day a success,” said Mayor Neill. 

“We are certainly proud of our town on days such as these and grateful to those who fought to allow us to have this life we have today,” he said. 

BELOW: Hermidale Public School and Marra Creek kids ready to march in Nyngan Parade