A HUSH came over the crowd gathered on a crisp autumn morning as the start of the Horsham Anzac Day dawn service drew near.

The sound of army drums rang out in the darkness as veterans marched through the crowd to take their seats.

Hundreds of residents moved in a collective huddle towards the Sawyer Park cenotaph, joined by a need to honour those who fought for our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

By the time the service started, a tinge of orange sunlight was evident to the east, reflecting off the Wimmera River.

Master of ceremonies Paul Creek took to the stand to welcome everyone before Salvation Army Major Diane Romari led a prayer.

“I spend a lot of time with young people, and I wanted to find the youngest serving soldier who went to Gallipoli,” she said.

“I found James Martin. He was 14 and 10 months when he went to sign up.

“He forged his papers and did a very good job of it obviously.

“He survived in Gallipoli for 15 months. He was not wounded – he died of a fever, and was buried at sea.

“I thought, 14? That is an incredible testament to him that he had the courage of his convictions, was very clever, and he survived for 15 months at Gallipoli.

“It is to honour his spirit that we are here today, and for all of those who were present.”

Horsham RSL’s Bob Lockwood then read the Anzac requiem to remember those lost in battle.

“May they rest proudly in the knowledge of their achievement, and may we and our successors in that heritage left to us prove worthy of their sacrifice,” he said.

Birds were waking from their slumber and chirping their morning songs as Lieutenant Colonel Russell Rachinger gave an Anzac Day address.

He spoke about the Australian spirit.

“Colonel Hall, commander of the Garrison at Eland’s River in Cape Colony, when invited by the board commander to surrender, said ‘I can’t surrender. I command Australians, and they would cut my throat if I did,” he said.

“General Eichenbecher, 1945 United States Army said, ‘Australians, they’re so casual, but they always win. If they show fear, they never give in at at all’.”

A hush fell over the crowd again as Joanne Ellis played The Last Post, and a minute’s silence followed.

Horsham College students Brittany Bates and Carly Jenkins performed the New Zealand and Australian national anthems respectively, with the crowd joining in to sing the latter.

The H.M.A.S Horsham bell – on loan from Horsham Rural City Council – tolled to signal the end of the service.

The Army catafalque party moved out towards the garden of memorial crosses as the crowd followed to pay their respects.