Anzac Day history was made in Maitland at the 100th commemoration of the Gallipoli landings on Saturday when the Turkish flag flew with Australian flags for the first time.
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And a Turkish-Australian citizen, Ismail Haskara, gave an address to the 1000 crowd in Maitland Town Hall at the 11am assembly.
Maitland RSL president Eric Bell said even greater crowds had gathered at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in the Town Hall.
"Maitland Town Hall was packed. It shows the spirit of Anzac among our people is still very strong," Mr Bell said.
Speaking at the rally, the mayor of Maitland Cr Peter Blackmore urged people to think of families still suffering today as a result of war.
"We must be mindful of the troops still serving our great nation," he said.
Alan Saxton from Aberglasslyn, an aircraftsman who was a radio technician in several emergency situations, said he was at the service in Maitland to remember comrades with whom he had served.
"It is also important for serving men and women to remember the support we received from our families," Mr Saxton said.