Forbes residents took to the street to remember and honour the Anzacs.
Lights shining like stars through the darkness of dawn illuminated the streets of Forbes on Anzac Day as neighbours stood at the end of their driveways, holding a light, to commemorate the Anzacs by observing a minute of silence before the Forbes Town and District band members each played ‘The Last Post’ from their driveways and homes.
Many residents of Forbes went the extra mile by decorating their verandas, front gates, and gardens with red poppies. Some of the lakeside walkers and joggers also wore red poppies. These acts not only serve to remind us of the Anzacs sacrifices, but also unites the community by bolstering a sense of pride and solidarity in these uncertain times.
Dane Walsh was one determined resident who peeled himself out of bed on the nippy Saturday morning, wrapping himself in a cardigan and lighting a candle before heading out to the end of his driveway.
Dane stood, a light among many other neighbouring lights, in the dark of Clement Street, “It was a great thing to experience,” he said. “I didn’t know how this Anzac Day would turn out with no ceremony but this was just as, if not more, meaningful.” The Last Post broke the dawn silence and echoed from different parts of the town before people headed back indoors, with some returning to a warm and cosy bed and others to begin their day with a walk around the lake.
This year marked the 105th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, yet even with the passing of over 100 years, Forbes residents honoured the service men and women from the past and the present by remembering them in a unique and meaningful way. The resilience and determination of so many to commemorate, despite the challenges, is testament to the significant and long-lasting effects of the sacrifices made by our Anzacs.