Thousands crowd Anzac sunset ceremony
At the going down of the sun, they were remembered.
Thousands flocked to Albany's foreshores on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the departure of 30,000 Anzac troops to do battle in World War I - to reflect, to honour, and to hope the horrors those men encountered were never seen again.
The Royal Australian Navy's ceremonial sunset service raised the curtain on a three-day tribute to the fallen, who represented one-third of the first convoy, and also those who returned with unimaginable physical and mental scars.
Against the beautiful backdrop of Princess Royal Harbour, the Melbourne detachment of the RAN band marched into Anzac Peace Park, then drummers performed the Beat to Quarters, derived from the oldest naval ceremonies dating back centuries to the age of sail.
Originally, ships' drums were beaten as a call for a ship's company to man quarters or action stations when battle was imminent, the massive crowd heard.
Friday's ceremony also reflected the worldwide naval tradition of saluting the lowering of the ensign at sunset each day.
In sharp form after months of practice, the RAN band performed both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, I Am Australian, Waltzing Matilda and at five minutes to sunset, the evening hymn The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended.
Moments before the sun disappeared over the horizon, the crack of a rifle volley resonated through King George Sound, prompting many observers in jump in their seats, despite advance warning.
At one minute to sunset, the evening gun - a historic cannon from Albany Fort - was fired over the waters.
"It's a wonderful privilege to be here," able seaman and RAN singer Kirsten Hobbs said.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what rank you are, this organisation, when you do an event like this ... we're here commemorating the history that came before us."
