IN perhaps the most unusual of Anzac Day events, Redlanders gathered on their driveways in the early morning light today to pay homage to those who have fallen in battle.
Instead of 5000 to 10,000 people crammed around the Anzac Centenary Memorial at Cleveland for the Dawn Service, people listened for those haunting notes of the Last Post on car radios and televisions sets, computers, mobile phones and even from the odd bugler.
The minute's silence after the Last Post was broken by Reveille as people stood holding candles for those Australians and New Zealanders who had fought and suffered shoulder to shoulder for their countries.
As always, the day is about remembering all those - service personnel and civilians - who had paid the supreme sacrifice.
Tracey Sander of Alexandra Hills said she and husband Wayne did not usually go to a cenotaph for the Dawn Service but today seemed special.
With neighbours Gary Merritt and Deb Baskerville, they stood in silence to honour all those scarred by wars.
Ms Sander said the event was a powerful reflection of Australian society.
"We love the flag and it was a good chance to stand under it," she said. "I thought it was just lovely."
Ms Baskerville wore her father Ron Baskerville' WWII medals as a mark of respect, the first time she had done so.
Anzac Day recognises all those who suffered or still suffered physical or mental scars, including those next of kin whose grief and sense of loss could never ease.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that today was Australia's most sacred day.
"Through these 102,000 men and women (who have died), and the millions more who have worn our nation's uniform, we come to understand what love of family, community and country truly means," he said.
"...On the beaches of Gallipoli, the deserts of Egypt, the mud of the Somme, the jungles of New Guinea, the death marches from Sandakan, Australians have faced the very worst. And they have done so for us."
Mr Morrison said Australians had not forgotten these people and never would.
He said that despite Anzac Day traditions having been interrupted, heroes still walked among us.
On a crisp morning with the sun coming up, Redlanders did not forget.
