The Ashton family braves the cold for the morning service in Clyde: From left, Matthew and Katherine Ashton with their son Nelson, 9. "They’ve just done so well, it’s so important to be a part of this and to keep remembering.’" PHOTO: CARYS TROTTER

The Clyde community turned out in force for this year’s Anzac Day dawn service at the Clyde War Memorial on Matau St, rugging up against the cold for the 8am service when it was just 5°C.

Alexandra/Clyde RSA vice-president Gerry Sutherland said he was thrilled with the turnout, which he noted grew bigger every year.

In his address he said Anzac Day was about all those that served, and all those that continued to do so.

Among those at the service was a group of veterans from the 2/1 Battalion RNZIR (Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment), most from Delta Company, reuniting after 20 to 30 years apart.

Many trained and served together at Burnham Military Camp, in Canterbury, between 1993 and 2013, going on to serve in places like East Timor.

Duncan Millar, based in Alexandra, said the bond never faded.

"Get on like a house on fire. Doesn’t matter how long it’s been, once we catch up it’s just like the good old days. Means a lot, remembering all the fellas we served with, the ones we lost. As a whole, we stay together. We’ve always stayed together."

Fellow veteran Matt Honsan was wearing his own medals alongside his father’s and grandfather’s, as the fourth generation of his family to serve in the military.

"Do what brothers do, support our mates. It means everything, it’s what we do, it’s the family, commitment, being there and supporting each other."

Neil Warner, also part of the group, served 22 years and travelled from Christchurch for the day.

When asked about his service, Mr Warner spoke of his time in the military, receiving medals including the East Timor medal, United Nations medal, and long service and good conduct medal.

"It’s really great to see them again. We’re a group of veterans from the first and second battalion who decided to meet down here. It’s home for a few of the boys. Just a really good opportunity to come down, share the day, see everyone again."

Among the families who made the trip was Matthew and Katherine Ashton and their 9-year-old son Nelson, attending the Clyde service for the first time in many years.

"They’ve just done so well, it’s so important to be a part of this and to keep remembering," the family said.