Not even the rain could deter the thousands of people who came to pay their respects during Geelong’s Anzac Day march and service.
Crowds lined up along Malop Street on Friday, April 25, as veterans and their family members marched towards Johnstone Park for the 11.30am service.
Chris Woodard joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1995 at 18 years old and rose to Petty Officer during his 12 years of service.
Mr Woodard said Anzac Day was a crucial time for everyone to remember to not take life for granted.
“I wanted to move all around to Australia and see the world. I think the excitement and the adventure of it all (the Navy) led me to join,” he said.
“I’m sure there were a lot of bad times, but you tend to forget those, and you always remember the good times. I have absolutely no regrets at all.
“It’s a time to remember those that have served overseas in wars, and we enjoy the life we live today because of their service, their commitment and their sacrifice.”
Geelong Returned and Services League president Mark Lee guided everyone through the service and said it was an important day for all veterans past, present and future.
“It’s good to see such a great crowd in slightly inclement weather, but it’s really turned out to be a fantastic day,” he said.
“Being in the defence force is not an easy life; even in peaceful times, there’s removal and isolation from families.
“There will be many family members who are here for the memory of their lost ones. Some who they lost in battle, some who died as a result of their injuries, and those who have passed away with the passage of time.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles also spoke during the service and said he paid tribute to all the men and women who fought for their country.
“We commemorate the 110th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War,” he said.
“The legacy that we remember is evidenced by the thousands of monuments and memorials scattered across our nation in every city, suburb, town and hamlet.
“Monuments upon which there are names of real people who lived and loved, and whose lives were tragically and dramatically cut short for us… Lest we forget.”
The service concluded with the Last Post by Geelong Memorial Brass Band’s Christine Bowden, followed by a moment of silence and the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
