Mateship is front of mind for local rugby player Shaun Connelly in both his military and sporting life.
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The Leading Aircraftsman with the RAAF laid a wreath at the Morpeth Anzac Day service on behalf of Maitland Rugby Club on Tuesday.
Mr Connelly, who is part of No. 35 Squadron at Richmond, has notched up almost 10 years in the Australian Defence Force.
His service included a deployment to the Middle East in 2013.
Mr Connelly said his time overseas and Anzac Day formed major parts of his military career.
“It’s a day to remember everyone who’s come before us and the sacrifice they’ve made,” he said.
He has marched at Morpeth on Anzac Day for the past three years, the same amount of time he has played for the Blacks.
Mr Connelly also represented his country in the sport as part of the Australian Services Rugby Union side.
“Any team sport I can compare to being in the military,” he said.
“You’ve got to be there for your mates.”
Mr Connelly’s two eldest sons, who also play for the Blacks, marched proudly for their school on Anzac Day, while his youngest son helped him lay the wreath.
Mr Connelly splits his time between the Richmond RAAF base and his home in Metford.
For this reason he was glad to attend the local service with his family.
This year saw the largest turnout at the Swan Street ceremony, according to Morpeth Anzac Day committee chairman Max Lantry.
More than 1000 people gathered to honour the Anzacs as well as those who served in fields of conflict – from the Diggers of World War One through to the service men and women who make up the Australian Defence Force today.
Four World War II diggers were present including two local men, Harold Wallis of Morpeth and Paul Moffit of Hinton.
Warrant Officer Phil Stag from No. 4 Squadron gave the commemoration address.
Mr Stag said the story of Anzac Day was well-known and he did not want to dwell on the past.
Instead his speech highlighted “that the history, the stories, the myths and the belief in Anzac Day [are] alive and well with our future generations.”
Hundreds also gathered around the East Maitland Cenotaph on Tuesday morning to pay their respects.
