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Thousands attended the Anzac Day service at the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial in Pall Mall this morning.
Crowds looked and remembered the fallen as past soldiers marched down Pall Mall.
Dozens laid wreaths during the ceremony as local bands and singers performed in the background.
Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Naomi Holmes grew up in Bendigo and was a Naval Reserve Cadet.
It is the first time in two years she has been in Bendigo for Anzac Day.
“Last time I was here was when my dad first marched with his grandfather’s medals,” she said.
“I was in Sydney last year in Sydney but it means a lot being in my hometown for Anzac Day and to give an address to everyone meant so much to me.”
She developed an interest in the defence forces and joined the Navy as a Warfare Office Trainee before joining the RAAF and rising through the ranks.
“My mum had friend whose son was in the Naval Reserve Cadets and from there I took an interest,” Flight Lieutenant Holmes said.
“While in the Navy I did a degree in oceanography but changed mind after going to sea and decided the air force was a better option. I trained through there and the opportunities have been endless.”
During her address, Flight Lieutenant Holmes paid tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Darwin bombing, the first time an act of war was taken out on Australian soil.
“I don't think people realise that we actually got hit on own shores. It is an important thing to reflect on,” she said.
“The work serving and ex-serving members have done to protect our freedom means we owe our lives to them.
“There were also a lot of families and women who also supported in other roles and play important parts.”
Bendigo District RSL senior vice president Peter Swandale said having a local soldier like Flight Lieutenant Holmes was wonderful.
“We want to promote our local community and having one of our own coming to address us is very important,” he said.
“The experience she brings having just returned from operations is fantastic.
“Today is also a day to remember your mates, remember the people you served with and ceremonies on a day like this bring that home.”
Mr Swandale has served with the armed services for 34 years after joining the army at age 20,.
“I served in Boganville, East Timor and Iraq and am still serving part time,” he said.
“Joining for me it was about adventure when I was a young 20 year old. I was living in Adelaide and said ‘let's get out of here and join the army’.
“I said I would join for 20 years and it’s been in for 34 but I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”