Cootamundra RSL sub-branch secretary Jacqui Vincent said as veteran she believes the traditions of Anzac Day should always continue. 

“All Australians, regardless of how old they are, should reflect on service personnel and ex-service personnel who fought for their country under the Australian flag,” Mrs Vincent said.

“We need to respect that and remember those people.”

Mrs Vincent said she wouldn’t consider this year to be more significant because it’s the final year the Centenary of Anzac.

“Each year is a significant as each other,” she said. 

“I believe that we need to remember our history and remember our forefathers and pay homage to them when the day is due.”

Sub-branch president Gary James echoed the sentiments made by Mrs Vincent. 

“This year marks 100 years since the end World War I,” he said. 

“Australian soldiers proved during the four year period not only their courage and initiative but a capacity to endure immense hardship through mutual support and often humour, or as we know it-mateship.”

Anzac Day events include: 

Captain Michael Manfield RAN will be the guest speaker before the veterans and residents march back to the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

The Cootamundra Concert Band is inviting singers to join them for both the dawn service and morning service at Albert Park.

“The choir will lead the singing of the Australian national anthem as well as the three traditional Anzac Day hymns,” band leader Alison Patterson said. 

“It is important to share the words with the music at these special events.”

Ms Patterson said rehearsals for Anzac Day start at 4pm on April 24 at Cootamundra Public School’s library.

A spokeswoman for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council said local government had been directed to strengthen road closures by state and federal governments.

“As such for the ANZAC Day parade, the road closures will be a lot more stringent than in previous years,” the spokeswoman said.

Road closures include Parker Street from Mackay Street to Bourke Street, as well as Bourke Street from Parker Street to Sutton Street will start from 5am on April 25.

Roads will be re-opened at midday.

During the closure no vehicles will be able to enter or exit the site as the roads will be physically closed utilising fixed barriers.

Council advises residents that if they park in these locations normally and need to exit during this time, they should leave cars outside of the road areas to be closed.