KIAMA SHOWS TRUE COLOURS

CLOSE to 1000 people turned out to watch yesterdays ANZAC Day march along Terralong Street to Kiamas Memorial Arch, in what many are saying is the largest turnout in years.

For many, it was a very personal expression of appreciation.

Kiama couple Gladys and Fred Cutajar attended the ceremony with grandson, Zac, who they hope will next year wear his grandfathers medals.

My father was captured in the fall of Singapore and spent three years in Changi, said Mrs Cutajar.

Were hoping Zac will wear his medals next year.

For another youngster, it was also a special day out with grandparents.

Four-year-old Holly Warden travels with grandparents Valerie and Michael Mendham from their Liverpool home each year to take part in the Kiama service.

The ANZAC Day service is just so nice down here, we always come down and make a day of it, said Mrs Mendham.

Holly has come ever since she was a baby.

Shadowed by Kiamas Memorial Arch, Kiama Jamberoo RSL Sub-branch president Bill Humphreys had a special message to young people attending this years service.

We observe two minutes silence so that we as a nation can silently reflect on those young men and men who will not live to grow old.

They gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

Its important that we teach our children that.

ANZAC Day means something special and something different to all of us.

For two-year-old Kayla Rayes, it was the first time the toddler had seen her mother, Natalie, in her naval uniform.

Leading Seaman Rayes is a communications sailor with HMAS Kuttabul.

She returned to her hometown of Kiama yesterday to join the crowd of close to 1000 who turned out to honour the memory of our fallen ANZAC soldiers on this, the 91st anniversary of ANZAC Day.