Gloucester RSL sub-branch Bob Murray said it was the best crowd he could remember as dozens of school children joined veterans for the main service and march through town.  

At Stroud torrential rain had little bearing on proceedings with umbrellas protecting the hundreds of residents that turned out from the elements.

Stratford’s John Potts wrote this poem to commemorate the sacrifice made by the hundreds of Australian that have fought and died in war this Anzac Day:

This year Easter falls close to Anzac Day.

To some it is just an excuse for a holiday.

To me it’s time for silent reflection.

To remember uncles lost to army sections.

War is futile, there should always be peace.

That’s my wish for cousins, nephew and nice.

Life growing up watching brave souls march.

Shining medals, uniform starched.

There’s memories there of war days long gone.

Citizens from Stroud, Bourke, Wollongong.

They came from all over, husband and wife.

Men and women from all walks of life.

Sisters, some first meeting each other.

Though not related, men lined up as brother.

Black, white, some fading to grey.

March together down main street today.

I’m proud, though I never went off to war.

Born after, or so many years before.

I thank those who put their lives on the line.

So I and many others lives would be fine.

So let’s pray silently for those we never met.

Three important words.

Lest We Forget.