A welcome was extended to all in attendance especially to people who had travelled including those from Adelaide and Melbourne to attend the service.

A letter received from the Hon Michael Atkinson MP, Minister for Veterans Affairs, was read thanking the Blyth Community for their contribution in continueing an Anzac Day service due to there being no Sub Branch of the RSL in Blyth.

The community were pleased to have received a new national flag from the minister which proudly fluttered in the wind at the service.

Ian Roberts read the prayer and also a story from a trooper at Gallipoli remembering how the Turks and Anzacs exchanged tobacco and paper to enjoy the luxury of a smoke. The trooper wrote how there seemed to be a short cease fire while both sides enjoyed a smoke with more smoke coming from the troopers mouths in the trenches than from the cross firing of guns.

Wakefield Regional Council Councillor David Lamond laid the wreath in remembrance of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Ex-serviceman George O’Callaghan, of Blyth, spoke the Ode followed by the attendees singing the national anthem.

About 50 people attended the service and were included in the annual photo in front of the war memorial.

Many returned to the Blyth Bowling Club to enjoy a warm cuppa and Anzac biscuit as well as a chat about some of the horrific circumstances our Anzacs endured during the war.

PHOTO: TIME TO REFLECT...At the Blyth Dawn Service were George O’Callaghan, left, Don and Elva Zweck, Dorothy Eckermann, Effie Williams and Verna Wood.