Large crowds gather for Anzac Day in Top End

As flags at half-mast gently moved with the cool breeze in the Top End, thousands of Territorians commemorated Anzac Day in Darwin and Palmerston.

CAPTION: ADF personnel form a catafalque party for an Anzac Day dawn service in Darwin City. Story by Captain Nicholas Marquis. Photo by Corporal Gregory Scott.

In the early hours of April 25, Darwin fell silent as The Ode was recited.

Commander of the 1st Brigade, Brigadier Rob Haertsch, reminded the huge crowd why they gathered each year to remember.

“In the face of adversity and likely defeat, the Australian spirit endured and triumphed,“ Brigadier Haertsch said.

“In many cases, it [Australia] was not their country of birth. Many Australians by choice – migrants – who stepped forward without hesitation. 

“Many continue to fight silent battles long after returning home.”

As the sun rose, the numbers in attendance became apparent. 

“It was still a bit dark, but now having seen the numbers, it’s enormous,” Brigadier Haertsch said later. 

CAPTION: United States Marines from Marine Rotational Force Darwin march during the Anzac Day parade at Palmerston in the Northern Territory. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

As the people made their way to Knuckey Street to watch the parade, a sense of excitement mixed with emotion filled the air. 

Personnel from across Robertson Barracks, HMAS Coonawarra, RAAF Darwin, United States Marine Corps and veterans, marched side by side through the city centre. 

Leading the contingent, 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, had their colours in tow, with M777 howitzers representing their history and tradition. 

The cheers and clapping from the crowd were only drowned out by the flyover conducted by 1st Aviation Regiment.

CAPTION: Children look at the names of fallen soldiers inscribed on the cenotaph during the Anzac Day dawn service at Palmerston. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

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