Hundreds gathered at the Bega War Memorial Gates for this morning's Anzac Day Dawn Service.
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It was a far cry from last year's COVID-affected proceedings, which saw lone cornet player John Winson sounding out the Last Post over Bega from atop a misty hill with regular ceremonies around the region cancelled.
Of partcular note this year was the special guest presence of Major General Andrew Hocking, deputy national bushfire recovery coordinator with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
Major General Hocking gave a poignant speech on the history of the Anzacs and how the day has come to symbolise so much more than the landing at Gallipoli and the sacrifice and service of the first Australian and New Zealand Army Corps personnel.
He also spoke of how service for the greater good continues to this day, including nurses and health workers on the front line against COVID and of the people he works closely with in bushfire recovery.
"Look after yourself first so that you can then look after others," he said.
Also at the dawn service was the extended Lucas Family clan, paying tribute to the nine Lucas brothers who all served in WW2.
This year the family members were wearing specially designed shirts with the images and details of the nine brothers from Brogo.
For more Anzac Day service times across the district, click here