THE community's contribution to war will be front and centre of this year's Anzac Day commemorations in Goulburn.
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A man carrying an ammunition box - the type his father once made for the Australian Army - the CWA, Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigade, police, train driver descendants and many more will join the main parade at 11am. Goulburn's Greek community, veterans, schools and Duntroon cadets will march alongside local clubs such as Legacy, Lions and Rotary.
This year the Sub Branch is honouring those who stayed on the homefront, doing their bit, said RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade.
"The whole day will embrace the community, those in essential services who supported our enlisted personnel," Mr Wade said. "It's a thank you as much to them as our armed services."
The march starts at 11am in Auburn St. Sub Branch secretary and former community radio manager Mal Ritchie will commentate proceedings from a scissor lift opposite the ANZ Bank.
Commander Kavanagh, representing the Australian Navy, will take the salute.
The march will be streamed on the internet and placed on YouTube, thanks to Alex Ferrara from the Goulburn Group and Telstra's donation of a dongle.
Afterwards, everyone will assemble at the honour roll in Belmore Park for official proceedings. Mulwaree High student Jacqui Lieschke will deliver the main address.
Hume MP Angus Taylor and Goulburn MP Pru Goward are apologies. Cr Sam Rowland will represent the latter.
The day starts at the Honour Roll at 5.30am for a dawn service followed by a commemoration at the War Graves section of Goulburn Lawn Cemetery at 6.15am. Breakfast for veterans and the community will be served at the Goulburn Soldiers Club from 6am.
Anzac Day Two-Up will again be run: by Legacy at the Goulburn Soldiers Club, 3-8pm, with a $2 door donation; at the Gordon Hotel, 1-6pm, and the Hibernian Hotel, 2-5pm.
The evening promises something special, believed to be the first evening service at Rocky Hill, at 5.30pm. The evening service, open to all, features the RSL Rural Commemorative Youth Choir, directed by O.J. Rushton, a Table of Remembrance ceremony, poppies, a prayer, the Ode and the Last Post. Finally, flags will be set to half-mast in a symbolic end to the day.
"I'm extremely pleased by the community's embrace of Anzac day," Mr Wade said.
"This will keep the military tradition alive and well into the future. People don't realise how much we appreciate their support. Each year it gets bigger and better."
