After being confined to their homes last year, Geelong veterans got the chance to join the traditional dawn service and march this Anzac Day.
Geelong RSL Sub-branch president Andrew Hanns said about 40 to 50 veterans attended a “discreet and intimate” dawn service.
“Considering what we had to do with all the COVID compliances, it went well,” he said.
“We can understand that numbers were down, but we had a march. It was good to have that for the veterans. We had nothing last year.”
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadron leader John Delia spoke at the Geelong RSL morning service, where he paid respect to the RAAF’s centenary.
Mr Hann said while numbers were down, it was still good for veterans to be involved after missing out last year.
Mr Hann said it was disappointing the Geelong RSL couldn’t hold the annual two-up games.
“We always get a fair crowd for that, from all walks of life,” he said.
“Overall, it was good considering school kids couldn’t march and first responders.”
Dawn and commemorative services were also held at Colac, Newton, Norlane, Leopold, Portarlington, Ocean Grove, Lara, St Leonards, Drysdale, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Bannockburn, Teesdale, Inverleigh, Bannockburn, Shelford, Anglesea, Lorne and Torquay.
Independent photographer Louisa Jones captured all the moments from the Geelong RSL Sub-branch Anzac Day ceremony on Sunday.
