NSW: Thousands brave rain for Sydney dawn service

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2008
NSW: Thousands brave rain for Sydney dawn service

SYDNEY, April 25 AAP - Thousands have braved the pre-dawn morning and the onset of
rain in Sydney to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia at
today's Anzac Day dawn service.

Thousands packed into Martin Place, surrounding the cenotaph, and sprawled over several
blocks and into side streets to get a glimpse for the 4.30am (AEST) service.

Land Commander of Australia, Major General Mark Kelly, delivered this year's dawn service
address.

He reminded Australians that the landing at Gallipoli affirmed Australia's identity.

"The Anzacs' great achievement was that within four days of the landing of Gallipoli,
the newspapers of the world had emblazoned the baptism of a new nation," Maj Gen Kelly
said.

"By the time the Gallipoli peninsula had been evacuated it had become hallowed ground
.... the forging space of a nation.

"It was Australia's shrine ... the cradle of our traditions and the tomb of our princes."

Maj Gen Kelly said the term Anzac was sometimes misunderstood and was much more than
a military campaign, or ceremony or a parade.

"I feel the term Anzac has transcended the physical meaning to become a spirit, an
inspiration which embodies the qualities of courage, discipline, sacrifice, self-reliance
and in Australian terms, mateship and a fair go," he said.

"This is what Anzac means to me."

In attendance at the service were Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, NSW Premier Morris Iemma,
federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, Acting Chief Justice Keith Mason representing
NSW GOvernor Marie Bashir.

Also attending were Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, NSW Police COmmissioner Andrew
Scipione and Liberal MP Anthony ROberts representing the state opposition.

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KEYWORD: ANZAC NSW LEAD

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