THE PRIDE shining from Hank Daniel's face was easy to see at this morning's Anzac Day service in Beaufort.
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A Malayan War veteran, April 25 has always held a special place in Mr Daniel's heart, yet today even more so.
He was there watching his daughter, Warrant Officer Kim Owen, give a moving speech to more than 250 people who turned out at Beaufort's memorial garden.
"Today is more than just a national holiday, it's an Australian tradition," Officer Owen said.
"It's not a date, or a campaign, but a spirit in all Australian people."
While the young almost outnumbered their elders, there was still a strong contingent of men and women who served in the second great war.
Theo Rechenberg, 94, sat next to his daughter Laurel and described with a smile what Anzac Day meant to him.
"It is one of the greatest days of the year and always has been," he said.
"It has a new meaning these days, and it's great to see the younger generation joining in to remember all the blokes we lost."
Beaufort Mayor Michael O'Connor said the turn out this morning reflected a small community that took pride in its large occasions.
"We had more than 250 people at the dawn service and probably more again as the mid-morning service," Cr O'Connor said.
"It really is just lovely to see."
