It was an Anzac Day like no other.
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Instead of the large crowd gathered for the Dawn Service at Merimbula, around 10 people stood, observing social distancing but unable to let April 25 pass without marking it in their hearts and minds.
In the quiet of the rising dawn, The Ode was recited, the Australian flag was lowered, The Last Post sounded and the small group stood in a minute's silence before Reveille sounded and the flag was once again raised.
It was a short but poignant ceremony.
Anne O'Donnell placed a wreath at the Merimbula War Memorial saying that she came every year and had never missed a service, wherever she was in Australia on Anzac Day.
Cr Russell Fitzpatrick had a wreath which was laid by Cr Mitchell Nadin on behalf of council. With florists closed it had been difficult to get a wreath, Cr Fitzpatrick said.
At Pambula War Memorial the candles had been lit and wreaths already placed by Imlay House before Cr Fitzpatrick placed a wreath on behalf of council.
He said councillors would be placing wreaths throughout the shire,
Trish Denaro of South Pambula also placed a wreath for her husband Ralph and her father John Denehy. Both served in the Royal Australian Navy and both served in Vietnam, Mr Denehy also served in WWll.
Ms Denaro said that several people in her street had collected in their various driveways before 6am with candles and flags, to stand in silence.
Although the streets were quiet, the sentiment was there, evident in the carefully placed flags in post boxes and hung from windows.