Large crowds of Lithgow residents, young and old, paid their respects to our country’s servicemen on Anzac Day.
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During the midday service in Portland a wreath laid by children from Blinky Bill Preschool stood out from the rest.
Different to the usual flowers and leaves, the wreath was made out of wood.
Poppies were inscribed on the design and included other images including a bugle and an Anzac slouch hat.
The preschoolers added their special touch to by supplying their hand prints to the centre of the wreath.
Blinky Bill director Tanya Rue said the wooden wreath has been used for the past two years.
"Leading up to and after Anzac Day we always do discussions about the purpose of the poppies, the purpose of friendship and loyalty and looking after each other," she said.
“The children may talk about marching when they march, family members create crocheted poppies that the children wear."
In particular the children learn about the Anzac spirit of courage, mateship and sacrifice.
They are also shown how the freedom and safety we enjoy today has come through the sacrifice of our servicemen, past and present.
Children are free to ask questions and share their ideas about the Anzacs.
The wreath hangs in a classroom and is included in the children’s learning all year round.
Blinky Bill places on a focus on the collective pride of the country and the value of caring for each other and the whole world.
The preschoolers also learn the origins of those delicious Anzac Day treats.
"We talk a lot about the Anzac biscuits that were sent by families because they were easy to pack and were non-perishable," Mrs Rue said.