The Dunsborough ANZAC service attracted a big crowd of locals and visitors after doubts it might not happen.
The service has been held for more than 40 years, but with previous organisers ageing, its future was in doubt until the local Dunsborough Progress Association took the baton a month ago.
Association chair Jacquie Happ said it was pleasing to hear that past organisers were very happy with Thursday's service and march.
"It also was heartening for the future of the Anzac event in Dunsborough to see such a strong turnout of locals and holiday visitors," she said.
"Crowds lined Dunn Bay Road from the town centre to the foreshore where the service was held, cheering on and following marchers.
"We were greatly assisted in our first effort to organise the event with valuable advice from Phillip Gifford, who used to run it with Brian Linnaker.
"World War II veteran Keith MacKinnon, one of the early organisers, also helped with a presentation for the crowd that outlined the history of ANZAC services and marches in Dunsborough.
"I doubt we could have held this event without an incredible effort by local volunteers, reflecting Dunsborough's great volunteer community spirit."
The ANZAC Service MC Allen Cooper said the Dunsborough foreshore was a great backdrop for the commemorative service.
"It went off extremely well considering that we only began planning the event one month ago with a three way Facetime linkup between the main organisers," he said.
"We did not meet in person until the morning of ANZAC day.
"We had a large number of service men and women turn up, proudly wearing their medals. And there were a lot of people also wearing their relatives' medals to remember and honour their memory."
One of the most poignant moments in the Anzac service came when a Dunsborough primary schoolgirl, addressing the crowd in the schools speech, highlighted the poor treatment in the past of Aboriginal servicemen.
"Rezi Kissios is the great grand daughter of Aboriginal serviceman Mervyn Sara who served for five years in Australia and in Kure, Hiroshima, Japan.
"She spoke of how, on his return to Australia, he was refused permission to march with other servicemen or join them at the local pub on ANZAC Day."
The ANZAC address was delivered by Vasse MLA Libby Mettam MLA who has a long family history of service in the military.
ANZAC Day can be an emotional time for Australia's veterans and their families, Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling Service provides free support for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visiting the Open Arms website.
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