By SONJA KOREMANS
RECORD crowds are expected at Warwick region’s Anzac Day services to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings where Darling Downs soldiers stood out.
The soldiers could ride horses, shoot and make do in the most treacherous conditions having been familiar with livestock, rifles and the outdoors since childhood.
Many of their descendants will share the poignancy of the Gallipoli landing anniversary at services across the region, with crowds expected to run into the thousands at some ceremonies.
Warwick RSL president John Skinner said last year’s crowds set the tone for Anzac Day this year.
“We had massive numbers at services in Warwick last year due to centenary ahead and we expect it to be much larger this year,“ Mr Skinner said.
The more years that pass since World War I, the more people want to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom, he said.
“The centenary has really grabbed people’s attention.
“I think you will find those who haven’t been to an Anzac Day service, or haven’t been for a while, will make an effort to partake in ceremonies on Saturday.“
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Peter Blundell said the RSL has organised a number of ceremonies throughout the region to give residents the flexibility to select a service that suits them.
“We are seeing an increase in numbers at Anzac parades and I’m pleased our local communities take time to participate and to encourage children to understand and appreciate the Anzac spirit,“ Cr Blundell said.
Warwick events include a Dawn Service, ceremonies at the War Graves Cemetery and Eden Gardens Memorial Park and an 11am service at the cenotaph in Leslie Park, he said.
A similar program of Anzac Day services has been arranged for the Stanthorpe community, as well as services in many of the smaller communities within the Southern Downs Region including Killarney, Tannymorel, Allora, Leyburn and Wallangarra.
Cr Blundell will attend the Stanthorpe Anzac Day dawn service and Warwick commemoration service on Saturday, as well as the Applethorpe service on today (23 April) and Glen Aplin service tomorrow (24 April).
