The Dawn Service-Anzac Day Sydney Australia |
Sydneys first Dawn Service originated when five members of the Australian Legion of Ex-Service Clubs, walking home after an Anzac eve function in the early hours of Anzac Day 1927, saw an elderly woman laying a sheath of flowers on the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
One of them asked the woman if she would allow them to join her in her tribute and they all bowed their heads in silent prayer.
Very little publicity was given to that simple ceremony, howe'ver in 1928, about 150 people were present. The following year an open invitation bought 250 people, with prayers by Dean Talbot and bugle calls being added.
In 1930 more than 1000 people attended. The State Governor of the day, Sir Phillip Game, began what was almost to become a Vice Regal duty when he attended in 1931.
Another first that year was the provision of special trams, trains and buses. The Service continued to grow and in 1933 the attendance was more than 8000.
In 1935 the 20th anniversary of Anzac was one of the biggest when 10,000 people attended and in 1939 with the threat of another world war imminent, 20,000 were there.
During the WWll years large gatherings were not encouraged, but the Dawn Service continued.
The St. Johns Ambulance Brigade has always attended the Dawn Service, dealing with emergencies. The Sydney Male Choir has attended since 1930, which year also saw the commencement of the radio broadcast by "Uncle"Frank Grose. Several trumpeters have performed over the years but none as long as Adam Martin.
As founders and organizers of the Dawn Service, the Clubs and members of the Australian Legion of Ex Service Clubs, later RSL, are strong supporters.
The Returned Nurses, War Widows, Legacy and the RSL are always represented.
The State Governor is the Patron in Chief of the RSL during their term in office.
The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Martin Place Sydney 2000 View Map
℅ Warrane
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➼ The Dawn Service-Anzac Day Sydney Australia
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