Town crowds honour Anzacs
Local pride was rich in the air this morning, as thousands of people lined York Street to applaud veterans, their families, cadets and schools in the Anzac Day march.
Setting off at 10am from the Town Hall, ex-soldiers were driven to the waterfront in war-era cars behind a mounted guard.
Brass bands and bagpipes followed, leading veterans and military personnel, family members, community groups and students towards the Anzac Peace Park past thousands of spectators.
At 11am windows rattled and alarms were sent screaming in the street as two Royal Australian Air Force Hawk 127 jets roared through the sky over town.
The jets can reach up to 1200km/h according to the RAAF and captured the attention of spectators across Albany.
The Anzac Day Commemorative Service continued until midday, with Albany RSL Sub Branch president Geoff McNeill calling Albany the leader for Anzac Day services.
Mr McNeill called April 25 a commemoration of “one of the most significant events in our country’s history”.
“In recent years some commentators have expressed amazement that the observance of Anzac Day continues to draw record crowds,” he said to the thousands assembled.
“Those who are surprised by this fact show that they understand very little about our national character and the way it comes to affect all those who settle in the country – even those who have only lived here for a short period of time.”
RAAF Flight Lieutenant Chris Brady also delivered an address which touched on the importance of embodying Anzac courage, endurance, sacrifice and mateship in modern Australia.
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