AN estimated 3000 people arrived at Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club for the Anzac Day dawn service on Tuesday.
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That number grew by 8.30am as locals lined the Pacific Highway to applaud the ex- and current service personnel who marched to the club cenotaph.
Among them was Petty Officer Greg Lord, who was accompanied on the march by his sons Brodi, 3, and Isaac, 8.
The Navy man is a former local who is now based at Nowra, and attached to the HMAS Canberra, working with helicopters.
Petty Officer Lord said he hadn’t been expecting to be available to come home for Anzac Day, but he savoured the opportunity.
“I grew up here at Lake Munmorah and Mannering Park, so I’m just grateful today to be able to be with my family, and to march with them,” he said.
“For me, it’s more about my kids today.”
Earlier, the dawn service at Doyalson proved to be a testing event for Australian infantry trainees who formed the catafalque party at the cenotaph.
Among them was Private (trainee) Connor Patch who said he felt the magnitude of the moment – not that you could tell from his group’s flawless display.
“I was nervous – there was 3000 people here – but I was proud, as well,” he said.
