MOREE residents and visitors lined Balo Street on Anzac Day to remember the men and women who fought and died in conflicts across the globe to give Australia the freedom this great country enjoys today.

As aircraft from Moree Aero Club performed a fly-past, master of ceremonies Roger Butler stood proudly on the steps of Moree War Memorial Hall and told the huge crowd about the meaning of Anzac Day.

He was accompanied by special guest, Commodore Anthony Savage, Australian Government director general of Navy Aviation, Aircrew Training and Commons, Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse and Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams.

“We think of every man, woman and child who, in these crucial years, died so the light of freedom and humanity might continue to shine,” Mr Butler said.

“We nurture, too, the obligation of showing gratitude for the peace we enjoy and the responsibility of ensuring the freedom and liberty so costly won is not lost by our own indifference.

“The sons and daughters of the Anzacs came forward without question, accepted gladly, and discharged fully their responsibilities during World War 2, the Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam conflicts, and latterly Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said.

Commodore Anthony Savage passionately addressed the large gathering of people, many of whom wore their forebears’ medals and insignia.

He told the heroic story of the ‘silent Anzac’ – Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS AE2 – and the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign that happened 110 years ago.

“We are reminded of the enduring spirit of the Anzacs and their legacy that continues to guide and inspire us to this day,” Commodore Savage said.

“In the early hours of April 25, 1915, as 16,000 Australian and New Zealand troops and their British, French and Indian comrades made final preparations for their assault on the Gallipoli Peninsula, HMAS AE2, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Henry Stoker, slipped through the dark waters of the Dardanelles Strait.

“No allied submarine had successfully penetrated the heavily-defended waterway, a key shipping lane for enemy reinforcement and resupply,” he said.

“Pursued by surface ships, and at times under fire from the shore, Stoker and his men successfully navigated the nerve-wracking passage through the minefields and enemy defences to enter the Sea of Marmara.”

On April 30, 1915, EA2 was hit by a Turkish torpedo boat and sunk. Stoker ordered his crew to abandon ship and left only when the last man was safely in the water.

“His crew was captured. Four soldiers died in captivity, while the remaining 31 were released in 1918,” Commodore Savage said.

“Throughout our nation’s history, we have asked brave men and women to put service ahead of self.

“The soldiers, sailors and aviators of the Australian Defence Force have answered the call to defend Australia and promote security and stability in our region, and across the globe.”

The year 2025 also marked other significant anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. It is also 35 years since the start of Gulf War 1.

“This year, we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War – often referred to as the ‘forgotten war’,” Commodore Savage said.

“In 1950, Australian forces joined the United Nations Coalition to defend South Korea from invasion by the North. This marked the first time, Australian Forces were deployed under the United Nations banner.”

This year also recognises the 25th anniversary of INTERFET – the International Force East Timor, a multi-national peacekeeping mission led by Australia to restore peace and stability in East Timor.

“Defence families endured disruption to their own lives and plans, long periods of separation, the uncertainty of deployment, and the challenges of reintegration,” Commodore Savage said.

“Their unwavering dedication and resilience are a source of inspiration for all of us.”

Well-known Moree volunteer and Moree RSL Sub-Branch member, Darryl Brady, was honoured with a special award from RSL NSW for his unwavering support of the local branch.

“It was a total shock; I was not expecting anything like that,” Mr Brady smiled.

During the week leading up to Anzac Day this year, Mr Brady was instrumental in raising more than $6500 from badge, pen and raffle-ticket sales across Moree.

“I absolutely love doing this type of thing for the Moree community. I’m just happy doing what I do,” he said.

Hymns and anthems were led by Moree and District Band and prayers were delivered by St Philomena school captains Meg Cooper and Chuck Thomas, Moree Christian School captain Cale Morrison, and Moree Public School captains Amity James and Maxwell Kinchela.

Commemorations of the fallen were offered by Moree Secondary College school captain Carlo Jaluague, and East Moree Public School captain Kayleigh Sampson and vice-captain Lara Humphries.

Moree Caledonian Society Pipes and Drums’ pipe sergeant Ben Hunt played The Lament as wreaths were laid and bugler Jacqualyn sounded The Last Post.

“As we reflect on those who have served before us, we honour their service and strengthen our resolve to uphold the principles for which they fought,” Commodore Savage said.

“Their legacy continues to guide us as we work together to achieve our mission to advance a secure, prosperous future for our nation,” he said.