Bunbury reflects on Digger's sacrifices
Bunbury saw record crowds flock to its Anzac Day services today as people reflected on the sacrifices of the region’s Diggers.
Bunbury RSL sub-branch president John Gelmi said he believed 7000 or 8000 people attended the morning service but he had received conflicting reports about how big the crowd was at the dawn service.
“Some people have said 5000, 7000 or 10,000 people attended the dawn service but I think closer to 7000 people attended,” he said.
Mr Gelmi said he believed the crowds would continue to grow at the dawn and morning services during the next few years.
The morning service was a moving occasion as people flocked to the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell.
War veterans and family members marched with school children to the service, which was led by master of ceremonies Alf Mainstone.
Among the highlights was Bunbury Senior High School student Sneha Mishra, who recited the Anzac Requiem from memory.
Key Bunbury identities like Deputy Bunbury Mayor Brendan Kelly, Bunbury MLA John Castrilli and Forrest MHR Nola Marino laid wreaths.
Mr Gelmi spoke at the morning service about the qualities of the Diggers who fought at Gallipoli.
Earlier this morning, people came from around the region to Anzac Park to attend the dawn service.
The restored Bunbury War Memorial looked magnificent as the service got underway after war veterans and their families marched from the RSL Hall.
Bunbury Men of Song sang Band of Brothers and performed the Australian and New Zealand national anthems at both services.
