World War One serviceman Arthur Sydney Hutton's words held particular poignancy for Trent Jeffrey as he delivered Goulburn's Anzac Day dawn service address.
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The soldier had landed at 'Dardn' (Gallipoli), marched up the valley to the firing line and his company dug into a hill as bullets "whizzed around like bees."
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"We have been digging here all night and day to strengthen our position," Hutton noted in his diary.
"We have had 14 wounded and one killed. There is a chap here named Simpson, he is in the 3rd (Field Ambulance) who walks about through flying bullets, taking no notice of them. He is said to have a charmed life."
Hutton returned from the "horrors of war," but his and others' legacy was not lost on Trent, Mulwaree High School's co-captain.
"The main three characteristics that our Anzac's share of pride, determination and mateship, founded on good humour and a sense of purpose, are the same three characteristics that we believe make every Australian and New Zealand citizen so special," he said.
"Is it a coincidence that we now share the same characteristics of the Anzacs, I think not. I think a quote that sums it up best is 'The spirit of the Anzac is not confined to the battlefield nor is it something that can be seen; it is a powerful driving sensation that can be felt, and it burns in the heart of every Australian and New Zealand citizen.'"
Hundreds turned out to the service at Goulburn's honour roll in Belmore Park. They huddled and sipped coffee in the early morning cool, which was far from the coldest experienced.
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Goulburn RSL Sub Branch president Mal Ritchie said the sacrifice of the Anzacs and all those who served in subsequent campaigns must never be forgotten. The Reverend Norm Wakefield recited a prayer while Mulwaree High School co-captain Molly de Cseuz delivered the Anzac Requiem.
Goulburn Air Force cadets formed the catafalque party as the Goulburn Soldiers Pipes and Drums band added to the respectful early morning atmosphere.
Mr Ritchie said he was pleased with the crowd attendance, which stretched well back into Belmore Park.
Proceedings moved to the Goulburn Lawn Cemetery for a war graves service. Australian flags were placed on the graves of all those who had served.
This year's dedications had special significance. Friends of Goulburn's Historic Cemeteries have identified the graves of a further 10 World War One servicemen buried in Saint Saviour's and the Mortis Street cemeteries. The volunteer group also placed flags on the resting places of the men who either died at Gallipoli or in France.
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