JIMBOOMBA locals gathered in the cool dawn to pay their respects in Anzac Day commemorations which almost never went ahead.
The day looked to be a COVID-19 victim, but was saved at the 11th hour by Division 9 councillor Scott Bannan.
As the sun rises this morning, thousands of Australians are gathered across the nation to remember their legacy
- Sub-branch president Lance Lorraway
Cr Bannan stepped in to ensure the dawn service and gunfire breakfast would return in 2021.
His actions also saved sub-branch members from the criticism of the public after earlier that week announcing the service would not go ahead.
Thousands turned out at Honora Street in brisk conditions for the dawn service.
The crowd stretched halfway back to the police station.
Sub-branch president Lance Lorraway used his address to pay tribute to the men who stormed the beaches at Gallipoli 106 years ago.
About 2000 men were killed or wounded on the first day of battle alone.
"As the sun rose on 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers rowed towards the shores of Gallipoli and into history itself," Mr Lorraway said.
"As the sun rises this morning, thousands of Australians are gathered across the nation to remember their legacy, and the legacy of all those who have followed their example.
"As we wait in the dark before the dawn service on Anzac Day, our thoughts turn to the Dardanelles, and the young men waiting to fight their first - and for some, their last - battle."
Mr Lorraway spoke of the two men who lay claim to starting the dawn service tradition: Reverend Arthur White of Albany, WA and Toowoomba's Captain George Harrington.
Both men were supposed to have conducted dawn services in the 1910s, before suggesting it became tradition.
"As is the Australian way, no one will ever totally agree with one or the other version," Mr Lorraway said.
"And there is no definitive record to ever tell us."
"What we do know is that every year in the cold and dark before dawn on the 25th of April, Australians gather together ... to remember those who left the comfort and familiarity of home and family.
"They donned the uniform and left our shores to fight for the freedom and liberty we enjoy to this day.
"These brave men and women - sons and daughters of Australia who give their personal freedom so we can enjoy our freedom. They are the reason we gather today."
As Mr Lorraway spoke, stories of Victoria Cross recipients' gallantry were projected onto the big screen, giving the crowd insight into the bravery which earned them Australia's highest military honour.
They included Captain Albert Jacka, who single-handedly killed seven Turks who stormed his trench overnight on May 19-20, 1915..
Captain Jacka killed five with rifle fire and two with a bayonet.
Michelle Hampson sang the New Zealand and Australian national anthems, and Flagstone Secondary College trumpeter Xander Maire played the Last Post and Reveille.
Representatives from a number of organisations laid wreaths.
They included Hills College student Jersey Elvish, who wore great-grandfather Les Beriman's World War II medals, earned while serving in Papua New Guinea.
Father Dan Talbot led the prayer, and Sandi Fishburn recited the Anzac requiem.
