Despite being 101 years old, hard of hearing and assisted by a walker, George Weiley was never going to miss the Anzac Day commemoration service in Taree.
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The World War II veteran was a special guest at the ceremony, held on Thursday, April 25 at the Taree War Memorial.
"I used to do the marches but I can't anymore," Mr Weiley explained.
Mr Weiley served in the South Pacific Campaign in Papua New Guinea alongside his brothers Mac and Cyril.
This gave him pride to gather with a strong crowd to pay respects to all service men and women.
"It's wonderful, good to see so many young people here," Mr Weiley said.
Mr Weiley confidently declared he will be back for next year's ceremony.
The crowd braved the rare, searing April sun for the ceremony, which was attended by many dignitaries such as Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, Chief Inspector Christine George and many armed forces personnel.
Master of ceremonies Morgan Stewart said the annual tradition ensures the sacrifices made in war will never be forgotten.
"Whether it is in campaigns in Europe, the Pacific, Borneo, Malaya, Vietnam, Korea or operations in Afghanistan, Iraq or East Timor, Australian service men and women have embodied the Anzac spirit for more than a century," Mr Stewart said.
"It's a timely reminder Anzac Day represents more than a commemoration of events on April 25, 1915.
"Anzac Day ensures the sacrifices made by brave men and women throughout history and today remains in our national memory and conscious."
It's wonderful, good to see so many young people here.
- George Weiley, World War II veteran
MidCoast Council mayor David West reflected on the landing at Gallipoli and the significance of the day to all Australians.
"It's a very important day not only for this community but this nation," Cr West said.
"We will be forever grateful for our service men and women past, present and future for their part in ensuring we all live in a society that is defined by freedom.
"Imagine also, never ever mentioned, the trauma faced by the hospital's surgeons and nurses.
"Non-combatants, treating those terribly broken men and boys. They too were victims of this campaign."
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